2018_Venezuela_Crisis  

Caption

After spending their final 6 months in Venezuala with very little food they sold their posessions and bought bus tickets part way into Columbia. They were forced to beg for food and hitch for lifts.
Background:Venezuela is currently experiencing the worst crisis in its recent history. As a result of the critical situation of democracy and political rights; and the socio-economic crisis that has worsened alarmingly in recent years, Venezuelans are facing unprecedented levels of extreme poverty, exacerbation of violence and insecurity, and significant deterioration of the quality of life.
Consequently, over 2.6 million Venezuelans have fled into neighbouring countries including Ecuador and Colombia. CARE is currently operational in the Venezuelan border crossing areas and refugee influx points: Quito (province of Pichincha); Tulcan (province of Carchi); Machala and Huaquillas (province of El Oro including mobile service to Guayaquil) and is responding in the areas of Food security and nutrition (in partnership with WFP) providing Health service referral and SRMH through partners, Psychosocial support including legal counselling/information provision and working to reduce risks related to trafficking and women’s rights. CARE Ecuador is also working in Colombia through partners (Jesuit Service for Refugees) supporting the legal counselling to the refugees and providing cash transfers to the more vulnerable families. CARE is calling for 4 million USD to respond to the most urgent needs over the next 12 months.