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.