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Add to Preferred SourcesWith the help of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Colombia is showing “extraordinary solidarity” towards Venezuelans displaced amid the country’s on-going economic and political crisis, said agency chief, Filippo Grandi on October 10th.
With over 4,000 Venezuelans entering Colombia each day, intending to either stay there or push further south, neighboring countries are struggling to meet the needs of refugees and migrants.
On a visit to Colombia and other Latin American countries, the High Commissioner for Refugees called the situation “shocking,” and praised Colombia for sheltering and caring for Venezuelans during critical times.
“I am impressed by Colombia’s efforts to document, feed, shelter, and care for thousands of Venezuelans arriving every day,” Grandi said. “This extraordinary solidarity needs more international support.”
UNHCR reports that nearly two million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2015, largely compelled to leave in search of more security, income, and access to food and medicine.
With around one million Venezuelans now in Colombia, local governments are working to ensure they can legally access essential services, resources, and obtain legal work permits.
Support from UNHCR has facilitated the availability of medical and legal consultations at the centre, but the influx of Venezuelans has strained the region’s health services. To boost capacity, the agency has supported the creation of a new health centre aimed at providing first aid and family planning care.
Original source: UN News
Published on 10 October 2018