Venezuela
Venezuela faces a deep protracted crisis that has led to a massive exodus, with some of the highest rate of poverty in Latin America and an increasingly authoritarian regime. The SDC supports the most vulnerable people in accessing basic services, as well as protection from violence and exploitation. It thus combines immediate humanitarian aid with measures to strengthen the resilience of Venezuelan actors These actions are part of a regional engagement that includes efforts towards peace and stability carried out in Colombia.
Context Venezuela
Venezuela is experiencing a deep protracted humanitarian crisis. The country has one of the highest poverty rates in Latin America. Since 2016, 7.8 million Venezuelans have fled to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Central America and the United States. The country is in a political stalemate with an increasingly authoritarian regime. It is also affected by the conflict dynamics in Colombia. The SDC is supporting the affected communities through humanitarian aid. The SDC was involved in developing the humanitarian architecture in the country and has been helping to alleviate distress and ensure access to essential services such as health care, food, water and protection against violence and exploitation. Switzerland aims to better integrate humanitarian aid with actions that strengthen the resilience of communities that are under pressure to migrate. These actions are part of a regional engagement that includes efforts towards peace and stability carried out in Colombia.
Protection for migrants
Venezuela has the highest emigration rate of any Latin American country. Prospects for an end to migration are bleak, given the ongoing socio-economic crisis and political situation. Since 2016, Latin American host countries and the international community have been supporting Venezuelans in the areas of health, sanitation, water, food security and psychosocial support for women and children. In the past, Swiss contributions have focused on meeting basic needs along migration routes. In the future, Switzerland will adopt an integrated regional approach that includes: reducing violence and exploitation; improving access to legal services and protection for migrants; and strengthening local livelihoods and employment opportunities for returning migrants.
Disaster risk reduction
The SDC has initiated a dialogue with the Venezuelan authorities responsible for disaster risk reduction (DRR) to outline the potential scope for cooperation. The SDC will invest in disaster risk reduction and support capacity building for the relevant authorities and non-governmental actors to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities.
Strengthened resilience and reduction of risk of violence
Switzerland aims to strengthen the resilience of affected communities and local actors to respond more effectively to future humanitarian crises. In addition, it aims to decrease potential humanitarian needs by working on conflict prevention and social cohesion.
Approach and main partners
Switzerland works with a mix of partners and aims at increasingly strengthening the capacities of the Venezuelan actors. It thus contributes to the implementation of the mandates of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross, and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Through its support to the humanitarian UN organisations (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, World Food Programme and Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), as well as through international and local NGOs, the SDC is able to reach migrants, children, families and communities in need, as well as foster the resilience of local actors. Switzerland is also currently strengthening its cooperation with the Venezuelan authorities responsible for disaster risk reduction.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern