Operations

Operational context and population trends

Venezuela hosts an estimated 168,500 people in need of international protection, most of whom arrive from neighbouring Colombia. Despite outreach efforts by Venezuelan institutions to provide access to asylum, many Colombians in refugee-like situations have not accessed the asylum system. They may have obtained another legal status or remained undocumented. To date, 5,651 individuals have been formally recognized as refugees. In 2015, UNHCR’s partners reported fewer arrivals than in the past years. Despite the ongoing peace process in Colombia, most refugees in Venezuela prefer local integration.

Venezuela has traditionally provided asylum-seekers and refugees with access to many public services, including primary health care and education. The State offers several welfare programmes to its citizens (e.g. housing, subsidized food and services for the elderly) that also benefit refugees.

Venezuela has recently started applying stricter migratory controls. The presence of illegal armed groups involved in smuggling contraband are credited with posing a security threat; however, the country remains committed to ensuring safeguards and solutions for people of concern, in line with the Brazil Plan of Action. Innovative solution strategies are being discussed with the authorities; these will complement existing measures to further improve the quality of RSD procedures.

Key priorities in 2016

• Solutions – UNHCR will advocate to find solutions for individuals who have not yet accessed the asylum system.
• Documentation – UNHCR will ensure that asylum-seekers and recognized refugees have access to documentation to facilitate local integration efforts.
• Naturalization – eligible refugees will have access to naturalization procedures.
• Access to territory – UNHCR will strengthen partnerships and enhance its cooperation with migration authorities and military personnel.
• Quality RSD – Although the number of asylum applications in Venezuela may decrease in 2016, UNHCR will organize capacity building initiatives to strengthen the quality of status determination procedures.
• Advocacy, capacity building and coordination – The operation will focus on conducting high-level advocacy in all strategic policy areas, building capacity amongst all relevant actors and improving coordination between agencies involved in the protection network.
• Border areas – The presence of field offices at the Venezuelan - Colombian border will enable UNHCR to support the Government´s efforts to strengthen borders of solidarity and safety.
• Child protection – UNHCR will continue to advocate for the inclusion of refugee children in national policies, as well as in recreational and protection programmes.
• Extremely vulnerable individuals – priority will be given to individuals with specific needs who will be assisted through tailored responses.