RMRP 2021 - Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (January - December 2021)

The political, human rights and socio-economic developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (hereinafter “Venezuela”) have led to the largest movement of refugees1 and migrants in the recent history of Latin America and the Caribbean. As of November 2020, of the approximately 5.4 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela outside of their country of origin, some 4.6 million are hosted in the region alone, including an estimated 1 million with an irregular status. Despite the devastating and ongoing socioeconomic and human impact of COVID-19, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have continued to show great solidarity towards Venezuelans and to facilitate access to basic rights and lifesaving services as well as supporting their integration. However, the already precarious situation of many refugees and migrants from Venezuela and affected host communities is reaching alarming levels, as national and local capacities have been dangerously strained due to the continued impact of COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean, threatening the overall social fabric in the 17 countries covered by the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (hereinafter “RMRP” or “the Plan”). In a region characterized by high levels of informal labour, the implementation of measures aiming to curb the spread of COVID-19 (including border closures, lockdowns, curfews and other quarantine measures) has had a disproportionately grave impact on refugees and migrants. Without savings or alternative social safety nets, the loss of employment has resulted in many being unable to cover basic needs or access vital services.

As a result of the complex economic and political outlook, increased dependency on emergency humanitarian assistance in the areas of health, shelter, food, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), as well as access to education, protection and integration is reflected in the increased needs outlined in the RMRP 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in a dramatic increase of reported cases of genderbased violence (GBV) and mental health needs, while leading to widespread food insecurity, rising levels of malnutrition and growing destitution especially among the most vulnerable, namely unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), single-headed households, women and girls at risk of GBV and trafficking, the elderly, those with chronic diseases, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community and those in situations of irregularity.

Xenophobia and stigmatization are on the rise, often based on negative perceptions associated with fear of the spreading virus and rising rates of evictions and homelessness, leading to a vicious cycle of irregularity, vulnerability, and stigmatisation. Indeed, the RMRP 2021 will need to consider the increasing number and needs of those in irregular situations who are highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including violence and discrimination as well as smuggling and trafficking.