New funding announced from the Government of Canada will allow the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address key challenges faced by Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and their host communities, in Colombia, Peru and across the region.   

The PRO-RIGHTS project will enhance protection, social inclusion, and regularization services for up to 125,000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela and their host communities.  In Colombia, the project will strengthen capacities to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, particularly in virtual settings.  In Peru, the IOM will work to support the regularization of vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and migrants including victims of gender-based violence, trafficking, and female-headed households. And across the region, the project will strengthen capacities to respond, and provide direct assistance to, Victims of Human Trafficking in countries hosting Venezuelan refugees and migrants.

“I renew my thanks to the Government of Canada for its generous support for this important project. This demonstrates not only Canada’s commitment to Venezuelan refugees and migrants and host communities in the region, but also the trust placed in IOM and its partners”, said Diego Bertrand, Special Envoy of IOM for the Regional Response to the Venezuela situation.

The project will work closely with the Governments of Colombia and Peru, as well with civil society organizations and partners in both countries, including refugee and migrant-led organizations. The project will place a particular focus on building local capacities.  

“Canada is pleased to partner with the IOM on this important initiative in support of Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and their host communities.  Access to protection, socio-economic integration, and regularization are key to ensuring the rights of refugees and migrants are safeguarded” said Micheal Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas, Global Affairs Canada.  “The PRO-RIGHTS project is a reflection of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support host countries, communities, and partners in responding to one of the largest displacements in the world, and in mobilizing opportunities for Venezuelans and host community members seeking a better future”. 

The number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela worldwide has now topped 7,1 million, with the vast majority (5,96M) hosted by countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Most have been displaced for many years outside their country and the outflow persists.

Colombia and Peru host the largest number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the region with 2,5 and 1,5 million respectively.