UNHCR Fact Sheet - Tumbes, Peru, November 2018

Tumbes is the main entry point of Venezuelans crossing into Peru. In the first weeks of November, 1,250 people entered Peru. Since 23 October, the number of arrivals to Peru substantially increased as the entry deadline to apply for the Temporary Stay Permit (PTP) neared (31 October).

During the past months, Venezuelans entering Peru are doing so in more vulnerable conditions than at the beginning of the year. Many families are traveling on foot for over 15 days, in contrast to the bus trip that they could afford before.

UNHCR has established a permanent presence in Tumbes through a joint office with IOM. UNHCR coordinated the set-up of a humanitarian response at the Binational Border Centre (CEBAF for its Spanish acronym) with partners to complement Government efforts.

UNHCR Response

Coordination and Strategic Response

• In March, UNHCR established a joint office with IOM in Tumbes to enhance its humanitarian response at the northern border with Ecuador. Both organizations provide support to the local Intersectorial working-group for Refugees and Migrants led by the Tumbes Vice-governor, which includes the heads of local ministries involved in offering a response, including health, education and accommodation, among others.

• On 28 August, the government of Peru declared the state of emergency for 60 days in three districts of Tumbes to respond to health, sanitation and shelter needs, as the arrival of Venezuelans continues unabated. This allowed for the allocation of emergency funds and the intervention of the National Civil Defence Institute (INDECI). UNHCR and IOM have provided extensive technical support to develop a response proposal with INDECI at the local level.

Humanitarian Assistance

• Through a Coordination Table of Humanitarian Actors created with local authorities working at the Binational Border Centre (CEBAF). UNHCR and IOM are supporting the comprehensive humanitarian assistance response at the main crossing point with Ecuador. This platform allowed for the new actors arriving at CEBAF to further complement the efforts.

• Together with its partner ‘‘Encuentros-SJS’’ (Jesuit NGO), UNHCR offers legal orientation, and provides assistance to vulnerable cases. UNHCR and IOM also provide food to vulnerable persons, including children who have to spend long hours at CEBAF. Targeted assistance for shelter and transportation to Tumbes, or in specific cases even to their final destination in Peru, is also provided.

• IFRC, with the support of UNHCR, offers immediate health assistance at CEBAF. As many Venezuelans were exposed to hardship along their journey, they often arrive dehydrated and suffering from nutritional deficiencies and health problems. The Medical Centre provides support to people in need of emergency attention. Drinking water is made available, as well as a shower service for the most vulnerable. Additionally, core-relief kits for women and children are distributed by the Peruvian Red Cross Volunteers. Since October, the Family Contact point allows Venezuelans to reach out to their support network.

Protection and Community Outreach

• In response to the increasing numbers of Venezuelans entering Peru, UNHCR provides support to the Special Commission for Refugees present at CEBAF. This proved extremely positive in light of the new regulation requiring Venezuelans to enter Peru with a valid passport, as requesting asylum it is now their only option to enter regularly.

• UNHCR offers technical and financial support to the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) to strengthen their child-protection mechanisms in Tumbes, as the number of unaccompanied and separated children (mostly over 16) identified continues to increase. 719 unaccompanied or separated minors have been assisted, of whom 50 were transferred to special care centres.

• Protection monitoring aims at identifying protection needs to identify vulnerable cases and provide a timely response. In April, a monitoring exercise was carried out (600 interviews), which revealed that almost half of the population arrived to Peru with their families and suffering from increased levels of poverty. A total of 15% spent time in transit countries to gather resources to continue their journey and 20% faced theft, extortion and discrimination while in transit. In August, UNHCR carried out a second survey identifying restrictions faced by Venezuelans to enter the country.

• While Tumbes was initially a transit area, it is increasingly becoming a destination for Venezuelans. In this context, UNHCR and “Encuentros-SJS” are increasing outreach activities to provide information and assistance. Working with community leaders, UNHCR is monitoring different areas in Tumbes and strengthening its presence in neighbourhoods with a high concentration of Venezuelans.

• UNCHR is also working to identify livelihood opportunities and providing entrepreneurship and vocational trainings, as well as supporting some vulnerable people and families through cash-based interventions.