The UN promotes the region’s migrant and refugee response amid persistent challenges
Regional inter-agency coordination platform for refugees and migrants from Venezuela (R4V), co-chaired by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced a 2025-2026 regional response plan to support more than 2.3 million vulnerable individuals, including host communities, in 17 countries.
“The integration of refugees and migrants is crucial to building inclusive and resilient societies,” speak Eduardo Stein, UNHCR-IOM Joint Special Representative for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela.
“When migrants and refugees are empowered to contribute fully to their communities, they enrich the social fabric while driving economic growth and innovation. By ensuring access to essential services, such as labor markets and social networks, we create a win-win situation for refugees, migrants and host communities. ”
Since 2019, more than 4.5 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees have obtained permanent residence in 17 countries thanks to the proactive measures of the host country’s government and the support of the international community.
This regularization has allowed more people to access documents and protection, while boosting the local economy and promoting stability.
Challenges remain
Despite advances in regularization and assistance, many refugees and migrants continue to suffer from few employment opportunities, substandard wages, and barriers to care health, education and essential services.
Of the 6.7 million Venezuelans residing in the region, 82% work informally, 42% cannot afford food and 23% live in overcrowded conditions.
Migrants and refugees of other nationalities transiting the region face even greater challenges, with up to 90% lacking access to food, shelter and protection.
A call for solidarity
The newly launched regional response plan emphasizes the need for sustained political and financial commitment from the international community.
“By securing this funding, life-saving support and long-term initiatives will be deployed to promote stability and successful socio-economic integration, while at the same time,” said UNHCR and IOM. addressing discrimination and improving access to materials, healthcare, education and decent work.” speak.
The plan will be implemented by 230 partner organizations, including United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups and the Red Cross.
