As economy buckles, Venezuelans forced to flee, undertake desperate measures to survive

Cúcuta, Colombia, July 26, 2018 —  As the IMF reports that hyperinflation will reach an estimated 1,000,000% this year, the International Rescue Committee raises concern for the millions of Venezuelans struggling to survive. Insecurity, instability and violence have forced over 1.5 million Venezuelans to flee the country since 2014, according to conservative government figures. Over half that population have sought refuge in the neighboring country of Colombia.

Rafael Velasquez Garcia, the International Rescue Committee’s Head of Mission in Colombia explains: "There is no end in sight to the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, which has led to a severe deterioration of living conditions for people across the country." 

“Import restrictions and extreme hyperinflation have reduced the availability and access to food, medicine and basic goods and even those with reliable employment are struggling to earn enough to survive. Families tell us how they have gone from living in an apartment six months ago to facing life on the streets. Increasingly we are seeing parents being forced to leave their children in search of work. It is likely that things will continue to worsen for the people of Venezuela.”

“Colombia is a lifeline for western Venezuela. Everyday more than 35,000 Venezuelans cross the Simon Bolivar bridge alone to purchase food and receive vital medical assistance, among other services which are not available in Venezuela. Of that number around 5,000 do not return Venezuela - many of whom are without official documentation or status.”

This number does not include illegal border crossing points, so-called “trochas”, which are often controlled by Colombian armed groups and/or organized crime and which charge migrants fees and expose them to the risks of recruitment and robbery.

“Venezuelans who remain in Colombia invariably have few possessions, very little or no money, and no immediate, formal, and safe opportunities to earn income,” explains Rafael Velasquez Garcia. “As a result, many work in the informal sectors, increasing their exposure to violence, exploitation and other dangers. Women and children are often the most vulnerable during transit and they face significant protection risks when traveling alone to a new location.”

An assessment of Venezuelans in Cúcuta and Villa del Rosario conducted by the International Rescue Committee in March 2018 showed that among respondents who spent the last month in Colombia, their self-reported highest priority need was to find a job (89%), followed by food (80%), and then shelter (58%). 47% of families reported there was no one in their household with an income.

The assessment also found evidence of significant family separation – with children often being left behind by their primary caretaker in Venezuela or Colombia thereby increasing the risk of recruitment of children into gangs and armed groups. The assessment also found increased rates of sexual violence and exploitation including transactional sex of Venezuelan women, girls and boys. 

The sheer number of Venezuelans remaining in Colombia has meant that needs are far outstripping available services. Currently the response plan for the region to the crisis in Venezuela is only 10% funded, meaning organisations are struggling to provide the support needed. The international community and donors must redouble their support and increase their funding, to meet life-saving, immediate needs.

In 2018, the International Rescue Committee launched an emergency response in the border town of Cúcuta, Colombia - the principal crossing point for thousands of Venezuelans. IRC is providing services that will support Venezuelans to reduce extreme negative coping strategies including transactional sex, child labor, support needs related to child separation and abuse, reduce complications due to access to reproductive health services and to reduce food insecurity. 

Due to the high levels of mobility between Cúcuta and western Venezuela, these programs are also helping to build the resilience of communities in San Antonio and San Cristobal, Venezuela. Services include programs that support children and their parents, and cash programming. This week, the IRC has also launched women’s protection and access to health projects. In Venezuela, IRC is supporting partner organisations to deliver and scale up lifesaving support. 

Photographs from Cúcuta, Colombia are available for use here.