ReliefWeb

HIGHLIGHTS

• Deteriorating conditions in Venezuela prompt population displacement, exacerbate needs in border regions

• UN agencies launch appeals for additional international assistance

• USG coordinates regional response efforts, announces $16 million in humanitarian assistance

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• Deteriorating conditions in Venezuela have triggered an influx of Venezuelans into neighboring countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that approximately 1.5 million Venezuelans have departed Venezuela for other countries throughout the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region since 2014.

• The population influx is straining services and exacerbating humanitarian needs in border areas of neighboring countries, particularly in Colombia’s Arauca, La Guajira, and Norte de Santander departments and northern Brazil’s Roraima State. Preliminary assessments indicate that food, health, nutrition, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are among the priority humanitarian needs of Venezuelans and other vulnerable people in border areas.

• The influx of people leaving Venezuela is also contributing to increased public health concerns throughout the region, particularly with regard to the spread of infectious diseases. As of early April, health authorities in Brazil had recorded more than 360 suspected or confirmed measles cases in connection with the population influx into the country, with additional suspected or confirmed cases identified in other countries throughout the region. Relief actors are coordinating with relevant government authorities throughout the region to mitigate public health risks and respond to emergency humanitarian needs among vulnerable populations.

• On April 13, the U.S. Government (USG) announced approximately $16 million in humanitarian funding to respond to needs related to the Venezuela crisis throughout the LAC region. The announcement brings the total USG support for the Venezuela regional response to more than $21 million since FY 2017.