MIGRATION CRISIS IN LATIN AMERICA
September 2018
VENEZUELA Background
Since 2017, more than 2 million Venezuelans have migrated due to political and economic crises.
N° of venezuelans
absolute growth (2017/2018)
819,034
219,034
90%
of the country’s population lives below the poverty line.
BRAZIL
COLOMBIA
N° of venezuelans
absolute growth (2017/2018)
50,000
15,000
PERU N° of venezuelans
absolute growth (2017/2018)
354,421
154,421
85% Shortage of all medicines in Venezuela. 24lbs (10.8 kg) the average weight Venezuelans have lost in the past year.
ARGENTINA
1,000,000% Predicted rate of inflation by the end of 2018.
N° of venezuelans
absolute growth (2017/2018)
95,000
37,873
Source: IOM
Impact on children Lack of documentation, discrimination, overcrowding or long distances to schools are barriers to education. Over 80,000 displaced Venezuelan children do not go to school in Colombia. Many families live on the street or in makeshift shelters. Child Protection systems are weak. Children, in particular unaccompanied children, are at risk of deportation, forced labour, sexual exploitation or or being recruited into armed groups. Hospitals are overcrowded and lack sufficient resources to deal with the influx. Few migrants can afford private healthcare. Many children are arriving malnourished. Children are exposed to situations of insecurity, violence and xenophobia.
Target beneficiaries Colombia 52,168 adults and 78,252 children Internal response in Venezuela For 3 months response: 3,300 children and 250 adults. For long term response: (12 months – 24 months): 10,000 children and 700 adults.
Our response In Colombia We are responding in three border regions which are hosting the highest influx of migrants: La Guajira, Arauca and Norte de Santander: Creating Child Friendly Spaces and child protection committees. Establishing temporary learning spaces. Delivering school infrastructure and materials. Teacher training in psychological support. WASH Infrastructure construction and rehabilitation. Promoting hygiene habits and delivering kits. Internal response in Venezuela We work through our partners “Alimenta la Solidaridad” and CECODAP: Feeding 2,000 children daily in 20 community canteens. Community-based identification and management of malnutrition of children under 2 years old. Protection and psychosocial support to children and their families. Improving hygiene practices to reduce communicable disease. Regional and national advocacy.
NORTHERN TRIANGLE
Background
In 2018, detention of unaccompanied minors has increased dramatically: approximately 89,000 children and adolescents have been detained on the borders of the United States and Mexico. More than 80% are people from Central America, mainly from the countries of the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador).
Children and adolescents returned from Mexico. Between 2017 - 2018
+12,000
GUATEMALA
HONDURAS
2017
2018
2017
2018
4.041
6.527
2.495
5.187
children and adolescents have been returned to countries of the Northern Triangle
2300 children
separated from their parents
EL SALVADOR 2017
2018
1.552
1.150
Source: SEGOB Mexico
Impact on children Children are particularly vulnerable as migration puts them at risk of becoming victims of abuse. The danger is even greater for unaccompanied children:
Physical, sexual or psychological abuse.
Homicide. In LAC, every hour 3 adolescents are killed due to violence.
Our response Friendly Spaces for migrant and returnee children.
Psychosocial Support complemented by hygiene and other essential kits. Preventing unsafe migration. (Education, training, livelihoods) Peace-building in schools.
Migrating without food or water.
Becoming victims of trafficking.
When parents are deported to their countries of origin, children are left alone and detained, generating high levels of stress and emotional impact for the whole family. Parents also face difficulties in obtaining information on the legal process of their children.
Preventing migrant trafficking and smugling.
Improving child protection systems.
Your Support Can Save Lives: Mariana ValdĂŠs Riveroll | Strategic Alliance Director Mexico & Corporate Partnership Manager for LATAM Tel +52 (55) 55384209 ext. 106 | Cel. +52 1 55 67079992 | Skype mariana.valdes71 | mariana.valdes@savethechildren.org