Canada and EU conclude the 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

March 17, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The outflow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela is currently one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with nearly 7.2 million people having fled or left their country. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, successfully concluded the 2-day 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and Their Host Countries and Communities.

Canada pledged $58.55 million in international assistance funding, while the European Commission pledged €75 million in humanitarian funding. This funding will go toward responding to humanitarian needs, providing access to shelter, food, water and sanitation, among other needs, as well as supporting the long-term integration of refugees and migrants into host communities and facilitating their access to education, health and employment opportunities.

The conference was organized in close collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela, as well as key host countries and partners.

Conference participants heard directly from affected refugees and migrants, who shared their stories of hardship and hope. It was an opportunity for host countries and donors, as well as civil society and private sector actors, to highlight the progress made to date, show solidarity with host countries and communities and raise awareness on key challenges and opportunities.

Quotes

“We stand in solidarity with Venezuelan refugees and migrants and the communities and countries that have welcomed them. We must continue to work together to provide support, protection and opportunities for this population. Let us remember that this is a regional crisis that requires a collective response. We must continue to work towards a sustainable and durable solution for all those affected.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“The EU has been assisting Venezuelans in need since 2016. We cannot and will not forget their suffering, nor the impact that the migration crisis has on neighbouring countries and refugee hosting communities. The humanitarian situation deriving from the Venezuelan crisis is only getting worse, with almost 20 million people in need of life-saving assistance. Despite the challenges and the rise of other urgencies worldwide, including war in Europe, the EU will continue delivering humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable Venezuelans. Today, we are announcing a further €75 million in humanitarian funding, underlining our steady commitment since the beginning of the crisis, reaching almost €400 million in total.”

- Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

“Today, the international community once again expressed its solidarity with the countries that are hosting refugees and migrants from Venezuela. This collaboration is vital to promote their stability and inclusion in local communities, as well as to protect the most vulnerable. Looking at current trends, more support is also required to local communities inside Venezuela and those who decide to return.”

- Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

“The solidarity and commitments expressed today offer a ray of hope to many migrants and refugees from Venezuela in need. These pledges and contributions must now quickly translate into life-saving relief as well as increasing support for socio-economic integration and support to host communities and countries who have been stretched to the limit.”

- António Vitorino, Director General, IOM

Quick facts

  • The outflow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela is one of the largest displacement crises in the world. To date, nearly 7.2 million people have fled or left the country since 2016.

  • Over 6 million refugees and migrants from Venezuela are living in 17 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, as of January 2023.

  • Since 2019, Canada has provided over $180 million in international assistance to respond to the Venezuela crisis. This is in addition to the $58.55 million announced today.

  • Canada is part of the Group of Friends of the Quito Process to support countries responding to the historic outflow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela.

Associated links

Contacts

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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