UNHCR welcomes Japan´s contribution for refugees and migrants from Venezuela

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today welcomed a contribution of USD 8.9 million by Japan to respond to the urgent needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, as well as the communities hosting them. With the support of the people of Japan, UNHCR will be able to provide required emergency assistance and support efforts made by host countries to ensure the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This contribution will serve to guarantee access to information, provision of documentation, legal assistance, safe and adequate shelter and to strengthen the asylum systems in Colombia and Ecuador. In addition, this important support will be used for the maintenance of community structures, improving the local infrastructure, and benefitting the communities welcoming Venezuelans.

Improving the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and migrants from Venezuela is also a key component of this agreement. With the contribution from Japan, UNHCR will continue to support access to skills training and capacity building to promote their access to formal employment and boost their financial inclusion and self-reliance.

“We are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for its continued commitment to refugees and migrants from Venezuela and for their support to UNHCR’s operations in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela,” said Hiroko Araki, UNHCR’s Head of External Engagement for the Americas. “With this generous contribution, we will be able to provide not only protection and emergency assistance, which remain essential as displacement continues, but also the technical assistance and tools required to become self-reliant so they can contribute to the communities hosting them.”

There are over six million refugees and migrants from Venezuela worldwide, with the vast majority hosted by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated their already dire situation, intensifying existing vulnerabilities and holding back their socio-economic integration.

UNHCR co-leads the Regional Inter-agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V) with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). With about 200 partners across Latin America and the Caribbean, the R4V Platform seeks to strengthen protection of the rights, improve access to services, and expand integration opportunities for refugees and migrants from Venezuela as well as its host communities.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.

For more information please contact:

In Panama,

• William Spindler, [email protected]
• Olga Sarrado, [email protected]