4.5
million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014. This is the largest exodus in Latin America’s recent history and one of the largest displacement crises in the world.
2000%
increase in the number of Venezuelan seeking asylum worldwide. 650,000 have filed asylum claims and about 2 million have obtained resident permits to stay in the Americas.
12%
of the population has fled the country and people continue to leave at an average of 5,000 per day. These figures are comparable to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Venezuela, a country that has traditionally been a generous host to refugees, is now facing its own displacement crisis.
Rampant violence, inflation, gang-warfare, soaring crime rates as well as shortages of food, medicine and essential services have forced millions to seek refuge in neighboring countries and beyond. An estimated 5,000 people are leaving Venezuela every day. While more than 650,000 have filed asylum claims, the majority of Venezuelans remain without any documentation to stay regularly in nearby countries, and therefore lack guaranteed access to basic rights. The situation for Venezuelans on the move is dire. They are exposed to heightened risks of exploitation, trafficking, violence, discrimination and xenophobia.
Colombia and other countries in the region have been generously hosting Venezuelans, but its capacity to provide basic services have become increasingly strained.
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UNHCR is on the ground aiding Venezuelans, but resources are stretched too thin. Your gift will offer hope for a safe future.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has joined over 90 partners to establish a Regional Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants (RMRP) with the goal of ensuring a coherent and coordinated operational response to the needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela.
In close collaboration with host governments, partner organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations and UN agencies (in particular IOM), UNHCR undertakes the following activities:
Learn more about What We Do.
Venezuela Crisis Explained
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How can we hope for peace if children can’t access education?
Indigenous Wayuu family from Venezuela outside their shelter at an assistance center in Maicao, Colombia.