When Brayan and his family fled their home in Venezuela, he found the transition to life in Colombia extremely difficult. Save the Children is helping vulnerable boys and girls cope with the effects of the effects of malnutrition, disease and chronic stress.
Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis: Facts, Figures and How to Help
Millions of Venezuelan families who have been struggling to survive inside their home country are fleeing out of desperation. The surge in the flow of migrants, many of whom are young children, is greater than the number of those who crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in 2015. As we see and hear horrifying stories of children arriving in Colombia, Peru and across the Latin America region after harrowing journeys, sometimes all alone, the effects of malnutrition, disease and chronic stress sprawled across their innocent faces, it is clear that this is a true children’s emergency.
Save the Children has been working in Colombia since 1963, and has a long history responding to humanitarian disasters in the region. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we are one of the very few organizations focused on protecting Venezuelan children in Colombia. Thanks to our donors, we are aligning our humanitarian resources in Peru as well. With your help, we are working to change the lives of the children of Venezuela. But we need your continued support.
Are Venezuelan children and families displaced?
Over 3 million Venezuelans have been displaced outside their country. Nearly 300,000 children have fled the homes and lives they once knew. It is estimated that the number of Venezuelans fleeing their country is expected to reach 5.3 million by the end of 2019.
Why are people leaving Venezuela?
Widespread violence and economic turmoil is driving millions of Venezuelans to seek better lives across the region. While the reasons, patterns and consequences of migration are diverse and complex, too many vulnerable children are at risk.
Are Venezuelan children and families displaced?
Over 3 million Venezuelans have been displaced outside their country. Nearly 300,000 children have fled the homes and lives they once knew. It is estimated that the number of Venezuelans fleeing their country is expected to reach 5.3 million by the end of 2019.
Where are Venezuelans going?
The largest number of displaced Venezuelans – 1.2 million – are in Colombia. That number is expected to more than double by the end of 2019. It is projected that 1.3 million migrants will be in Peru by the end of this year.
What are Venezuelan migrant children’s lives like in Colombia and Peru?
Once in Colombia, most Venezuelan families live in desperate conditions. Many sleep in the street or abandoned buildings or informal camps. The conditions are unsanitary and can lead to disease.
The emotional wellbeing of children who have fled Venezuela, sometimes alone, is of great concern. Boys and girls whose education has been disrupted are in danger of falling behind in school and never catching up again.
What is Save the Children doing to help the children of Venezuela?
Through the generous support of our donors, Save the Children is responding to this humanitarian crisis in La Guajira and Arauca, which are among the areas in Colombia hosting the highest number of Venezuelan migrants.
We are delivering aid and making sure children’s unique needs are met by distributing hygiene kits, water filters and other supplies for displaced families.
How can I help the children of Venezuela?
Save the Children is responding to the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis with emergency assistance. We need your generous gift to help protect vulnerable children and provide desperately needed relief to families.