Venezuelan migrants in Columbia: an inclusive humanitarian response?

Since 2016, the ongoing political and socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela has resulted in political instability, economic decline, deterioration of state structures and services and increases in corruption, crime and violence, undermining people’s livelihoods, health and security. More than 6 million people have left the country, almost 5 million of whom have moved to other countries in the region. More than 1.8 million have sought refuge in Colombia.

Despite the scale of the crisis and the efforts of the Colombian government, civil society groups and aid organisations to respond, the critical needs of marginalised groups continue to be poorly understood or overlooked. This event will explore the situation of marginalised Venezuelan migrants in Colombia and what more could be done to better understand and meet their needs. Drawing on articles from the Humanitarian Practice Network’s 80th Edition of the Humanitarian Exchange magazine and their own research and experience, panellists will discuss the discrimination faced by LGBTI migrants living with HIV, by Trans migrants, and by binational indigenous peoples living along the Venezuela-Colombia border, and the heightened risks of gender-based violence and trafficking for women, girls and LGBTI caminantes (walking migrants). We will also discuss how different actors are responding and what action should be taken to ensure marginalised groups of Venezuelan migrants are included in the response and have access to the services and support they need.