Latin America
The prolonged contraction of the economy, political polarization, chronic inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and violence have forced more than six million people to flee the country, and an additional 7,7 million are in need of relief. Although the crisis in Venezuela is humanitarian in its expression and in its impact on the affected population, it reflects a deeper, structural crisis linked to the collapse of the State capacity to provide basic services. Priorities are related to health, water and sanitation and food security. The most vulnerable are children and the elderly, as well as marginalized populations such as LGBTQIA+ and indigenous communities. The crisis is not recognized by the government and therefore humanitarian aid and human rights are severely impeded.
Première Urgence Internationale opened its mission in 2019, and is present in Falcon, Delta Amacuro, Bolivar and Amazonia States. Our strategy is to contribute to reducing infant mortality and early pregnancy and their consequences, support the management of mass returns to the country, and support indigenous communities in view of their specificity and vulnerability with an anthropological approach. The objective is to strengthen this existing base and complement its current actions by reinforcing the community approach and implementing development activities in water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as livelihoods, in order to reinforce the impact of its long-term projects by reducing the causes of primary health problems.
The Venezuela mission addresses critical needs in vulnerable communities across the country, focusing on health, livelihoods, and community empowerment.
Première Urgence Internationale takes pride in its partnerships with three civil society organizations focusing on LGBTQIA+, indigenous communities, and people living with disabilities. These organizations provide technical advice, ensuring the incorporation of inclusive, anthropological, and gender-focused approaches throughout the project.
Ivan Leray
Head of mission Venezuela © Première Urgence Internationale
“Our fast-growing mission works with both Venezuelan and indigenous populations, with a very interesting anthropological component, which also ensures respect for the “do no harm” principle, a guiding value of humanitarian action. There are numerous challenges and opportunities, with the current aim of structuring the overall mission and enhancing the quality of our interventions.”