Economic deterioration in Venezuela has driven the largest external displacement in the Americas. The United Nations says that 6.8 million people have left—more than have fled any other country except Syria and Ukraine.
The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela was triggered by the economic collapse that began in 2014 and has been deepening ever since. The country’s health system has collapsed, and hyperinflation paired with shortages of essential resources such as water, fuel and medicine continue, causing social unrest.
Quick facts:
• Living standards in Venezuela have collapsed at a rate generally only previously observed in war zones, with 94% of the population living in poverty.
• Many Venezuelans have departed to neighboring countries, mainly Colombia (1.8 million), Ecuador (400,000) and Peru (1.2 million).
The IRC is on the ground delivering a collective response to support Venezuelans holistically—and timely—where it’s needed the most. The IRC has supported nine local partners in Venezuela since 2018 and served over 87,000 Venezuelans in 2020. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the IRC has pivoted its programming to provide safe, reliable, and innovative response.
Currently, our programming is focused on:
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Primary health care
• Cash assistance
• Nutrition services
• Women’s protection and empowerment
• Child protection
With your generous support, the IRC will continue to respond to this ongoing crisis, and help those fleeing conflict around the world find safety and much-needed support. Your gift will be used where and when most needed.
