Refugees International Concerned by Growing Political Repression, Displacement Crisis in Venezuela

Statement by Refugees International Fellow William Clavijo:

"Refugees International is gravely concerned about the latest escalation of the severe human rights crisis in Venezuela and its profound impact on the displacement of Venezuelan citizens throughout the hemisphere.

The contentious results of the July 28 presidential elections have resulted in alarming violations of the rights of Venezuelan citizens and concerning closures of civic space. At least 25 people have been killed during peaceful protests by state security forces or irregular armed groups under state protection. And more than 2,400 people have been detained, often arbitrarily and without due process, including 129 adolescents.

Refugees International is deeply apprehensive that more Venezuelans will be forced to flee their homes, especially at a time when there are already over 7 million displaced Venezuelans in the region. Already in the weeks following the election, there has been a large increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing into Brazil, and there has been a moderate rise in daily averages in Colombia.

A potential increased displacement comes at a time when migration policies across the region have grown more restrictive, including the growing militarization of borders, lack of renewed regularization options, the reluctance to grant Venezuelans refugee status under the Cartagena Declaration, increasing visa requirements, and deportations. These measures are worrisome, particularly against the backdrop of meager humanitarian support for the Refugee and Migrant Response Plan in 2024.

The widespread human rights crisis serves as a reminder for countries in the hemisphere to take measures to ensure that displaced people are guaranteed forms of international protection, including prima facie recognition of Venezuelans as refugees under the Cartagena Declaration.

In cases where this is not possible, countries should renew existing temporary protection schemes and make them widely accessible and ensure applications are efficiently processed. It is also imperative that countries take action to ensure that Venezuelans can access dignified economic inclusion and public services on equal terms with local citizens.

Finally, Refugees International calls on the international community to reactivate assistance to support countries to receive, protect, and integrate displaced Venezuelans. Without this support, the response will be insufficient.

The crisis in Venezuela and its impacts on the Americas demand solidarity from all. We call on the international community to act immediately, prioritizing the protection of those displaced by this crisis."

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Etant Dupain at [email protected].

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