Santiago, May 12, 2022 – An international delegation composed by Eduardo Stein, Joint Special Representative of UNHCR and IOM for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela; José Samaniego, UNHCR Regional Director for the Americas; and Diego Beltrand, Special Envoy of the IOM Director General for the Regional Response to the Venezuela situation, carried out a mission to Chile this week with the objective of contributing to the search for solutions for Venezuelan refugees and migrants.  This is the first visit of this kind since President Gabriel Boric took office. 

In the company of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Chile, María Jose Torres, the Head of the UNHCR National Office in Chile, Rebeca Cenalmor-Rejas, and the Head of Mission of the IOM in Chile, Richard Velázquez Custodio, addressed the challenges identified by the Government of Chile as priorities in terms of attention to the situation of human mobility and the needs of local authorities, thus reaffirming the commitment to support and work together for the benefit of both refugees and migrants as well as the communities receiving the Venezuelan population.

During the visit, the delegation participated in an audience with Antonia Urrejola, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with the Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Izkia Siches; as well as with various government authorities involved in the issue, including the National Migration Service, the General Directorate of Consular Affairs, Immigration and Chileans Abroad, and regional and municipal authorities.

Meetings were also held with civil society organizations and partners of the Interagency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V) in Chile, as well as with refugees and migrants in the country, who shared their experiences.

UNHCR, IOM and R4V Platform partners will continue to support the Chilean authorities and other countries in the region that have welcomed the Venezuelan population with solidarity.

Press contacts:

Analía Kim, UNHCR kiman@unhcr.org

Rocío Sanhueza, IOM rsanhueza@iom.int