Operational context
Political and social instability together with hyperinflation affected the regular implementation of UNHCR’s activities in Venezuela in 2017, with field missions cancelled and activities postponed due to security reasons.
Lack of basic supplies in border areas, including fuel and cash, and major distortions in the exchange rate severely affected UNHCR’s work. Contracts with partners converted in local currency resulted in limited budgets to address the massive needs of people of concern. This was coupled with insecure border areas with armed groups fighting to gain control of illegal border activities.
The economic situation impacted negatively people of concern and host communities’ access to food and health services, and led to a critical outflow of Venezuelans in the region. Ultimately, it has increased displacement towards the borders with Brazil and Colombia.
Community-based approach was the cornerstone of UNHCR’s work through numerous community assessments in the last quarter of 2017.
Population trends
- A total of 123,700 people of concern
- In 2017, Venezuela hosted close to 7,900 refugees and some 900 asylum-seekers.
- During a pre-registration exercise which took place from October to December 2017, UNHCR identified a total of 2,918 people in need of international protection who had not accessed asylum procedures.
- A 2017 UNHCR’s survey conducted with the National Statistics Institute estimated some 114,800 people in need of international protection, who had not accessed the asylum procedure.
Key achievements
- UNHCR undertook, in coordination with partners, community-based assessments for provision of services in 110 most-at-risk communities, 91 of them were prioritized for community projects in 2018.
- Profiling of people of concern identified more than 2,900 people in need of international protection of whom 30 per cent needed additional individual assistance.
- Bi-national coordination with UNHCR’s Office in Colombia was enhanced and a joint workplan adopted. Mapping tool of national actors for both Colombia and Venezuela was designed and updated during coordination meetings with NGOs at field level.
- UNHCR supported the National Commission for Refugees (CONARE) to conduct six mobile registration missions. As a result, some 330 asylum seekers were registered and 230 asylum-seeker certificates were issued or renewed.
Unmet needs
Due to funding shortfall, UNHCR was not able to cover all legal assistance fees to support the people of concern in accessing asylum procedures, residency, naturalization and access to justice.
The Office lacked capacity and resources to establish effective livelihood programmes to enhance refugee self-reliance.
UNHCR was only able to assist 745 people with specific needs in 2017, despite they were struggling to meet the most basic needs.