The Lima Group countries reaffirmed their willingness and commitment to provide assistance and protection to Venezuelans, as well as support for those who remain in the Bolivarian country.
In a release, the Group insisted on establishing mechanisms for Venezuela's access to humanitarian aid so as to address the situation its citizens are dealing with.
The bloc of countries urged Venezuela to establish an epidemiological data sharing system to coordinate disease containment efforts with neighboring nations, mainly in the border areas.
The abovementioned release came after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro denied there is an ongoing migratory
crisis in his country.
In light of this,
the Lima Group warned the deterioration of the economic, social, and humanitarian situation in the country has caused a massive migration over the past two years, impacting especially on countries located in the region.
Even though neighboring nations are the most popular immigration destinations, they also serve as countries of transit. In fact, this trend has seen a significant increase.
According to official statistics, the number of Venezuelan immigrants —between 2017 and 2018— peaked at about 82,000 in Argentina; 50,000 in Brazil; 800,000 in Colombia; 4,000 in Costa Rica; 160,000 in Chile; 15,650 in Guatemala; 65,784 in Mexico; 65,415 in Panama; 2,893 in Paraguay; and 298,559 in Peru.
The Lima Group is composed of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Saint Lucia.
(END) NDP/VVS/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 18/5/2018