Tag Archive for: Poverty In Venezuela

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Femicides in Venezuela: Fighting Gender-Based Violence

Femicides in Venezuela: How NGOs Are Fighting Gender-Based ViolenceIn Venezuela, gender-based violence has reached alarming levels in recent years, reflecting the profound impact of the country’s ongoing humanitarian emergency. Institutional collapse, extreme poverty, forced migration and the absence of adequate public policies have created an environment where femicides in Venezuela continue to rise and women face multiple forms of violence. However, amid this reality, various feminist organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international agencies are developing strategies to prevent violence, provide shelter, legal and psychological assistance and inform women about their rights.

A Humanitarian Crisis That Fuels Violence

Since 2015, Venezuela has faced a complex humanitarian emergency marked by economic collapse, institutional deterioration and the breakdown of public services. This situation has disproportionately affected women and girls. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), its latest Humanitarian Response Plan 2025 highlights the urgency of the situation: one in four people in Venezuela (about 7.6 million) requires humanitarian assistance, and 6.2 million need protection services, including child protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Although the country has experienced moderate economic growth over the past two years (2023–2024), deteriorating living conditions, food insecurity, the collapse of health care services and the absence of protective policies have allowed gender-based and sexual violence to continue rising. The Organic Law on the Right of Women to a Life Free of Violence, while representing a legislative milestone, has not been effectively implemented due to institutional weakness and corruption. As a result, many victims face impunity, institutional revictimization and a lack of safe shelters. Most cases go unreported: an estimated 7 out of 10 women do not report the violence they experience, mainly due to fear of retaliation or mistrust of the judicial system.

Alarming Numbers and a Climate of Impunity

Recent data reveal the scale of the problem. According to the feminist observatory Utopix, there were 76 femicides in the first six months of 2025—equivalent to one woman murdered every 2.3 days. These killings are not isolated incidents; they reflect a justice system that fails to protect victims, where investigations often remain incomplete and perpetrators rarely face conviction.

Furthermore, Centro de Justicia y Paz (CEPAZ) reports that more than 50% of victims experience physical violence, while 65% suffer psychological abuse. These forms of aggression often escalate over time, frequently culminating in femicide.

Migration and Trafficking: A Double Vulnerability

The crisis has also forced millions of Venezuelans to leave the country, exposing women to new risks. According to platforms such as R4V, the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and IOM, as well as surveys like ENCOVI, nearly 8 million people have left Venezuela. During migration, many women face sexual violence, labor exploitation and human trafficking.

These dynamics pose serious risks for women, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups. False job offers or migration promises deceive many, and due to the precarious nature of their journeys, they fall victim to trafficking networks and modern forms of slavery. According to the report Libres y Seguras by the Venezuelan organization Mulier, 1,390 Venezuelan women were rescued from trafficking networks in 2022, including 284 girls and adolescents. Documented cases include sexual exploitation, forced labor, and forced marriages in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Violence does not end once women cross the border. Xenophobia, labor exploitation, and the absence of legal protection continue to make them vulnerable. According to Utopix, more than 100 Venezuelan women have been victims of violence or femicide abroad between 2024 and 2025.

Organizations Making a Difference

Despite the challenging context, numerous NGOs and humanitarian agencies are supporting Venezuelan women both within and outside the country. Their work focuses on violence prevention, comprehensive care, legal assistance, and creating safe spaces.

CEPAZ leads the defense of women’s rights through free legal assistance, psychological support and accompaniment during judicial processes. It also manages the Digital Femicide Observatory, which compiles data and pressures the state to implement prevention and protection policies.

Utopix has become a national reference by documenting femicides in Venezuela and analyzing patterns of violence. Its work is essential for raising awareness amid a lack of official data. The organization also conducts community education and awareness campaigns to transform cultural norms that perpetuate violence.

UNHCR plays a crucial role internationally by providing legal assistance, shelter, psychological support and documentation. It also coordinates gender-based violence prevention programs with governments and local organizations.

Toward a Future Free of Violence

The increase in femicides, the impact of forced migration and the expansion of human trafficking reflect the profound social deterioration in Venezuela. However, the work of organizations such as CEPAZ, Utopix, Mulier, and UNHCR shows that civil society remains a driver of hope. Through direct support, human rights advocacy and the promotion of public policies, these organizations are laying the groundwork for a future in which women can live free from violence.

– Su Ying Lee Yang

Su is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Being Poor in Venezuela

Being Poor in VenezuelaTo feel trapped in a country that is meant to be your home — a place of refuge, comfort and safety — is now the reality of more than 80% of households in Venezuela, with more than half living in extreme poverty. Being poor in Venezuela has become a familiar, looming presence under the rule of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Demand for Change

According to the BBC, for two decades, Maduro’s regime has inflicted suffering across Venezuela. Following a government-controlled election, Maduro claimed a third successive term, crushing hopes for change.

With renewed control over the country’s foreign policy, Maduro banned platforms such as Binance – a global cryptocurrency exchange – and social media platform X, which provide visibility into Venezuela’s economic crisis. Without such visibility, Venezuelans remain at the mercy of a corrupt regime and stay trapped in a cycle of being poor.

Mass Exodus: Searching for Safety

Being poor in Venezuela has become a daily struggle after decades of hyperinflation, leaving the country in dire straits. Citizens face extreme poverty, with an average income of just $0.72, and since the bolivar no longer functions as a viable currency, many must seek alternative means for survival.

Victims of this crisis now seek refuge in neighboring countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), “nearly 8 million Venezuelans have been forced to flee” in search of safety and economic stability.

A Call for Action

Supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo González denounced the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) recent election results. Analysts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) outlined a “Day After” Postcrisis Recovery and Reform Framework, calling for comprehensive institutional reconstitution to restore political and economic stability.

To be successful, they emphasize how global powers such as the United States and other countries can support Venezuela through the crisis – especially the devastating realities of being poor in Venezuela, where citizens face systematic hardship and lack access to basic resources.

United Against Corruption

Maduro has succeeded in isolating Venezuela’s global markets, economically imprisoning citizens and limiting access to foreign currencies. Being poor in Venezuela now means navigating a collapsed economy with few lifelines.

Jorge Jraissai, the president of the Economic Inclusion Group, urges individuals to support organizations such as the Human Rights Foundation, which work to give Venezuelans a fighting chance against currency collapse.

In his analysis, The Role of Freedom Tech in Venezuela’s Fight for Freedom, Jraissai explains how the Human Rights Foundation has united activists and developers to create new digital solutions. Cryptocurrency platforms such as Binance, he argues, play an essential role in helping people to safeguard their earnings and access global currencies. These tools allow Venezuelans to bypass government restrictions and achieve economic autonomy.

Digital Lifelines

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), a non-governmental organization (NGO), which operates to alleviate poverty and protect human rights globally, with a focus on countries ruled by authoritarian regimes. Founded in 2005 by Venezuelan human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen Mendoza, HRF continues to provide initiatives such as the Oslo Freedom Forum, which brings together activists and technologists to promote global freedom.

HRF raises awareness about the threats of authoritarianism and poverty. In 2023, its policies appeared across top major media outlets including CNN, CNBC, The Atlantic, POLITICO, Newsweek and the BBC. According to HRF, the organization received 17.8K media mentions, $772M in earned media value, and 23M social media Impressions.”

To support innovative solutions, HRF’s advocacy efforts “protect activists, journalists and other civil society leaders targeted by authoritarian regimes.” 

The organization developed the “Tyranny Tracker,” a research tool that analyzes and identifies countries most vulnerable to political oppression. Its methodology classifies nations as either democratic (103 countries: 2.2 billion), Hybrid Authoritarian Regimes (40 countries: 2.7 billion) or Fully Authoritarian Regimes (57 countries: 3 billion).

By supporting NGOs like HRF, global citizens can stand in solidarity with Venezuelans and help combat the devastating effects of being poor in Venezuela.

From Survival to Renewal

Poverty in Venezuela does not represent an unbreakable chain – it demands unity and action. Digital technology, institutional change and global collaboration could provide Venezuelans a fighting chance against poverty. 

– Gabriela E Silva

Gabriela is based in Addlestone, Surrey, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Higher Education in Venezuela

Higher Education in VenezuelaThe pursuit of a college degree in Venezuela has become a powerful testament to the resilience of its students. Amid a complex humanitarian crisis, these students bravely confront power outages, food shortages, unreliable transport and the breakdown of public institutions. Here is information about higher education in Venezuela and efforts to improve it.

Higher Education in Venezuela Under Pressure

Public universities operate with minimal budgets. Autonomous institutions struggle to maintain operations. Most professors earn $8 a month, making them the lowest-paid in Latin America.

These challenging conditions have led to a brain drain, delayed graduation timelines and a decline in academic quality. Yet, many universities continue to function, fueled by the unwavering commitment and resilience of students and professors.

Endurance

In interviews with The Borgen Project, students shared how endurance, not just academic effort, has helped them carry on.

Take Víctor Solórzano, for instance, who recently earned a degree in social communication from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (UCAB). His college years were a mix of trauma, fun and enrichment. Balancing part-time jobs and scholarships, he navigated frequent blackouts and inflation. His motivation was the thought of his mother’s pride on his graduation day.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Mata, a computer science student at Universidad Nacional Experimental de Guayana (UNEG), is completing his thesis despite a shortage of faculty and materials. “Many professors left because their salaries couldn’t support them,” he said. He credited study groups with helping him stay focused. “For me, finishing this thesis proves I didn’t give up.”

Poverty, Inflation and Brain Drain

In Venezuela, university costs reflect the hardship students endure rather than traditional tuition rates. Hyperinflation has a severe impact on daily life and the education sector, with the government allocating only 2.6% of its budget to universities in 2024.

Electricity, water and internet access are far from reliable. According to the Venezuelan Universities Observatory (OBU), 95% of universities lack stable internet, and more than 80% experience frequent power and water outages. These issues interrupt classes regularly and limit access to digital learning tools.

On top of this, most professors earn under $10 per month, nowhere near enough to cover basic expenses. In 2024, a single household needed more than $530 a month to afford a basic food basket.

This situation is why more than 40% of professors have left their positions in the last three years. Those who stay often juggle multiple classes, skip meals or rely on outside jobs to make ends meet.

Professor Lilia (a pseudonym), who teaches at UNEG in the southern part of the country, said some of her students arrive at class without eating or miss lectures due to transportation issues. “Sometimes they don’t choose a career based on interest, but based on what’s available nearby or what they can afford,” she said. To keep classes going during outages, they often use WhatsApp voice notes or meet in person when possible.

According to the NGO Aula Abierta, between 40% and 70% of students have dropped out of their studies since 2023, mainly due to migration or a lack of financial means to continue.

Ramón Rivera Verde, a former university professor, witnessed this collapse up close. “My salary didn’t cover the basics. I resisted as long as I could,” he said. He now lives abroad but still follows the state of education in his country. “The resilience of the institutions that continue to serve students under impossible circumstances.”

Innovation as a Lifeline

Despite adversity, local organizations and universities have developed creative ways to support students. Fundación Andrés Bello, which is affiliated with the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, offers scholarships, school supplies and community support to low-income students.

Meanwhile, the now-closed Alimenta la Solidaridad operated more than 300 community kitchens across Venezuela, providing daily meals to families and students. It ended activities in May 2025 due to a lack of government protection.

Cáritas de Venezuela is an organization that addresses malnutrition by distributing food and monitoring the health of children. Its work improves cognitive performance and helps students stay in school.

To respond to new challenges, UCAB launched shorter, job-oriented programs, such as associate degrees (TSU) in software design and occupational safety and insurance.

Students can also pursue technical certifications in areas such as cooking and pastry arts at CIAP-UCAB. These programs offer quick paths to employment. The UCAB Fashion Academy links design skills with income opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The higher education system in Venezuela faces significant challenges, but students and educators are addressing these issues through grassroots initiatives. Education becomes a form of resistance, providing hope for a brighter future.

– Su Ying Lee Yang

Su is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Venezuela’s Anti-NGO Law Looms: 2 Organizations Fighting Back

Venezuela’s Anti-NGO LawVenezuela is one of the most disadvantaged countries in the world, with poverty rates of more than 91%. Currently, there is an influx of Venezuelan immigrants seeking refuge in neighboring countries. According to the U.N., almost 8 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014 due to “rampant violence,” along with “inflation, gang-warfare, soaring crime rates, …shortages of food, medicine and essential services.” With the amount of human rights concerns concentrated in the area, Venezuelan citizens are in desperate need of additional support. However, with the passing of the Law for the Control, Regularization, Operations and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organizations, informally known as Venezuela’s anti-NGO law, the government seems set on making it as difficult as possible for them to access the life-saving services provided by non-governmental organizations.

According to Amnesty International, “The approval of this law aims to keep Venezuelan civil society from continuing to stand alongside victims [of poverty, violent crime, et cetera] and providing assistance in ways that authorities are unable to.” In this time of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to support organizations that are challenging the country’s tyrannous government.

Hogar Bambi Venezuela

Founded in 1992, Hogar Bambi Venezuela focuses on providing care to children and youth misplaced from their families “due to abuse, mistreatment or economic hardship.” The organization organizes “temporary, substitute” homes for the children, then facilitates their return to their families – or the adoption process, if the first option is not feasible.

American-based organization Bambi International Foundation is a long-time supporter of Hogar Bambi Venezuela. It funds various projects to support the Venezuelan NGO in its mission to care for displaced minors.

One project it completed in recent years was the purchase of a private vehicle. Before purchasing the vehicle, staff members of Hogar Bambi were unable to transport all of the children to necessary medical appointments due to the unreliability of the Venezuelan public transportation system. The project helped Hogar Bambi transport the children for their medical appointments and necessary services such as cardiology, dermatology, laboratory, surgical examinations, etc.

Bambi International Foundation also facilitates the building and renovation of structures to house them. In 2020, it raised nearly $6,000 towards renovating and installing electricity in a building housing 36 displaced Venezuelan infants.

Currently, Bambi International Foundation is campaigning for a new cause – the Sports and Recreation for Children and Adolescents Deprived of a Family project. It is currently 40% of the way to completing its goal of raising $25,000 to provide at-risk Venezuelan youth with access to recreational activities such as team sports, swimming lessons and various outdoor adventures.

Fundacion Jacinto Convit

Inspired by the work and values of Doctor Jacinto Convit, Fundacion Jacinto Convit has been working for 13 years to make health services and education accessible throughout Venezuela. The organization funds “scientific research, healthcare programs, and educational and community projects, through a multidisciplinary team, to contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations and to the country’s social development.”

Fundacion Jacinto Convit has made revolutionary strides in medicine, particularly in making cancer treatment more accessible. One project it currently has in development is ContiVax – an immunotherapy treatment that targets breast cancer. The treatment is currently being put through clinical trials throughout the Americas and Europe, and will hopefully prove to be a safe, effective, low-cost treatment option for patients who either can not afford or cannot access chemotherapy, or prefer an alternative for any reason.

In addition to ContiVax, the NGO  focuses on providing a “highly specialized free medical assistance service for the molecular diagnosis of malignant neoplastic diseases (such as leukemia and some solid tumors) and infectious diseases (mainly HIV)” through their Molecular Diagnostic Unit, hopefully contributing “to the improvement of mortality and morbidity rates in patients with some types of cancer.”

Fundacion Jacinto Convit also focuses on educating Venezuelan youth. One of its educational programs, Values Through Science, facilitates talks, lessons, film screenings, and educational activities at schools, conferences, and other community spaces. The project is intended to encourage Venezuelan youth to develop an interest in the sciences while promoting critical thought, curiosity, and teamwork.

Venezuela’s Anti-NGO Law: In Conclusion

Although the passing of Venezuela’s anti-NGO law seems intent on preventing the country’s needy from accessing the life-saving services that they require, the country’s NGOs are not giving up.

– Helena Birbrower

Helena is based in Davis, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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6 Organizations Helping Refugees from Venezuela in Colombia

venezuela refugees Over the years, Venezuela has been struggling with an unstable economy and poverty across a vast number of its population. In fact, according to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), less than 8.8 million people out of the total population of nearly 29 million are not suffering from multidimensional poverty. That is only about 30% of the entire country’s population. This leads many Venezuelans to leave their country in search of better opportunities that are not present in their country. Most of these people often flee to other Latin American countries, with the most popular place being Colombia, with almost 3 million refugees from Venezuela as of 2023.

However, despite moving to Colombia, they still need support to help them above the poverty line. Fortunately, numerous organizations are assisting the Venezuelans in Colombia to overcome this crisis. Here are a few of them and what they do:

International Rescue Committee

Founded in 1933 by Albert Einstein to help Germans flee the Nazi regime, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian non-governmental organization that support refugees from and residing all over the world. Later on, it expanded to the rest of Europe and in modern times, it assists refugees from all over the world, including the refugees from Venezuela in Colombia. Its main work in Colombia includes providing access to health care to the Venezuelans and ensuring the safety of their minors. The number of people it helped as of 2020 is 87,000.

HIAS

Originally established in 1903 as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, HIAS is another organization that focuses on global refugee aid. According to its website, HIAS has helped more than 150,000 refugees from Venezuela in their Colombia branch, mainly with economic inclusion programs and giving the refugees legal support for living in the new country.

ZOA International

ZOA International is a non-governmental organization that focuses on improving the living standards of impoverished people in multiple countries, including Colombia. While it does not specifically focus on refugees, the organization has the refugees from Venezuela as a major demographic that it supports in its efforts to help the Colombians in need, as many of them are in the country’s slums.

Its main method of support in the country focuses on providing food, water and implementing hygiene improvements to the people they help. For refugees specifically, it also gives emergency aid to provide them with better access to food and water.

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid to countries that are facing some form of insecurity, including economic instability. In Colombia, it helps the country’s most impoverished, including the refugees from Venezuela. In Colombia, its main work for the refugees from Venezuela are mainly emergency support such as money reserves, medical aid and providing internet in their shelters.

Project Hope

Project Hope is an organization that focuses on providing health relief to countries in need. Originally founded in 1958, it has provided health services all over the world by working with other organizations and often help to introduce systemic changes to the country’s health system.

In Colombia, the organization gives to the refugees from Venezuela by helping to train doctors, giving the refugees access to maternal health services and providing them with better access to essential items like pharmaceuticals or other medical supplies.

Education Cannot Wait

Founded in 2016, Education Cannot Wait is an organization working with the United Nations that focuses on giving refugee children better education opportunities, often leading to them breaking the poverty cycles in their families. Its main work in Colombia includes giving the children of the refugees from Venezuela safer environments, especially for female students. According to its website, the organization has helped more than 130,000 children in Colombia.

These are only a few of the organizations that are helping these refugees survive and overcome poverty in their new home of Colombia. While it is unclear if and when the economic crisis in Venezuela will end, the efforts of organizations like these and the people who support them can significantly help fight poverty for the refugees from Venezuela.

– Jose Gabriel Lopez

Jose is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and the Rule of Law in Venezuela

The Rule of Law in VenezuelaAt the heart of the crisis in Venezuela lies a deeper catastrophe: the collapse of the rule of law. Once a country of relative prosperity, Venezuela is now a fragile state where institutions no longer serve citizens, particularly people experiencing poverty. In 2024, Venezuela’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita was $4,000, one of the lowest in Latin America.

The country also experienced one of the world’s highest inflation rates, rising consumer prices significantly. The consequences are not confined to its borders. From mass migration to regional instability, Venezuela’s collapse is a global poverty issue that cannot be ignored.

A Broken Justice System

Venezuela currently ranks last in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index. According to the index, courts are politicized, the judiciary lacks independence and fundamental rights are routinely violated. Dissent is punished with arbitrary detention and torture and legal protections for the vulnerable have all but disappeared.

For those already living in poverty, this legal collapse is devastating. Without functioning institutions, workers can be exploited without recourse, communities lack public services and corruption goes unchecked. When the rule of law fails, poverty becomes entrenched.

A Regime That Fuels Poverty

The regime of President Nicolás Maduro has overseen the dismantling of democratic institutions and the collapse of the economy. Transparency International consistently ranks Venezuela among the most corrupt nations globally. Public resources are diverted to elites while health care, education and infrastructure are neglected.

Inflation reached 400% in 2023 and more than 80% of Venezuelans now live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. The most impoverished households struggle to obtain food, medicine and clean water. This crisis is not just economic; it is political. The government’s refusal to allow reform or accountability sustains the systems that keep people poor. Aid efforts are often obstructed and humanitarian organizations face restrictions on their work.

The fallout from Venezuela’s collapse has sparked the second-largest migration crisis in the world after Syria. As of 2024, more than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left the country for safety and opportunity. Many have settled in neighboring countries like Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, where strained public systems struggle to accommodate them. This mass migration creates new poverty challenges in host communities, from overburdened schools to job market competition.

Migrants face their own vulnerabilities: exploitation, xenophobia and legal uncertainty. The crisis extends beyond borders, affecting the whole region and highlighting how fragile governance contributes to global poverty. Venezuela’s case reveals a broader truth: poverty thrives where the rule of law fails. Without functioning legal systems, enforcing labor rights, distributing aid effectively or combating corruption is impossible.

Final Remarks

Despite the repression, civil society organizations inside and outside Venezuela continue to document abuses, offer legal aid and support democratic movements. International watchdogs like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International advocate for accountability. At the same time, diaspora-led groups aid migrants and lobby for policy change. These efforts are limited but vital. They keep the possibility of reform alive and help protect the rights of the most vulnerable.

– Charlie Baker

Charlie is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty in Venezuela: Foreign Aid as a Lifeline

Poverty in VenezuelaOnce a prosperous country rich in natural resources, Venezuela now faces an alarming poverty crisis. With hyperinflation, food shortages and a collapsing health care system, millions of Venezuelans struggle to meet basic needs. In this challenging landscape, foreign aid has become a crucial lifeline, delivering essential services that the government is increasingly unable to provide.

The Role of Foreign Aid

Venezuela’s economy has spiraled for years, burdened by political turmoil, reliance on oil exports and international sanctions. As a result, more than seven million Venezuelans urgently need assistance. Foreign aid, primarily through nonprofits and international organizations, has become essential, filling the gaps in food security, health care and clean water access. Many Venezuelans depend on foreign aid to survive and keep families together and communities functioning.

World Food Programme

World Food Programme (WFP) World Food Programme is one of Venezuela’s largest humanitarian agencies providing food assistance. Its programs focus on distributing food baskets and providing school meals to fight hunger and malnutrition. WFP has aimed to reach at least 1.5 million children, especially in rural areas, where food scarcity is most severe. By targeting schools, WFP ensures that children receive proper nutrition and are encouraged to continue their education.

International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides essential health care, emergency support and cash assistance in Venezuela. It works with families to ensure access to lifesaving medicines and health services, which are otherwise too expensive or unavailable. The IRC also collaborates with partners in neighboring countries to assist those fleeing Venezuela, supporting them with food, shelter and legal assistance. The IRC’s focus on holistic support allows it to address immediate needs while helping people stabilize for the future.

Caritas Internationalis

Caritas Internationalis is a Catholic humanitarian organization with a strong local network across Venezuela. It provides food, medicine and clean water to those most affected by the crisis, including families in remote areas. Caritas also has nutritional programs that target malnourished children and pregnant women, who are most vulnerable to the effects of food insecurity. The organization runs soup kitchens, distributes medical supplies and promotes community health initiatives.

Challenges and Gaps in Aid

While these organizations are achieving significant impacts, their challenges are substantial. Political restrictions make it difficult for foreign organizations to operate freely and aid workers often face bureaucratic barriers that delay the delivery of supplies. Additionally, underfunding limits the reach of their programs. Despite their best efforts, organizations like WFP, IRC and MSF often report funding shortfalls, which prevent them from scaling their efforts to meet the growing demand.

A Call to Action

The poverty crisis in Venezuela is one of the most pressing humanitarian issues today, yet it receives limited global attention. Donor countries, private sectors and international institutions need to increase their support for Venezuelan aid. Without sustained and coordinated aid efforts, the situation will only worsen, deepening poverty and further destabilizing the region.

– Yuhan Ji

Yuhan is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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CARE: Addressing the Crisis in Venezuela

CARE: An Organization Addressing the Crisis in VenezuelaIn just a decade, more than 7.7 million people have fled their homes due to the crisis in Venezuela, marking it as one of the largest exoduses in recent Latin American history and one of the largest displacements worldwide. The country struggles with three simultaneous crises: a massive exodus, escalating humanitarian emergencies and intensified crackdowns on government dissent.

Economic Decline

Venezuela, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, has become highly dependent on its fossil fuel income since the discovery, evolving into what is known as a petrostate. As the nation’s reliance on oil increased, political power concentrated increasingly in the hands of an elite minority, which weakened political institutions and led to widespread corruption. However, starting in 2014, oil production began to decline due to inadequate investment and maintenance. Between 2014 and 2021, Venezuela’s Gross Domestic Product shrank by three-quarters, leading to severe economic distress.

CARE’s Involvement in Crisis Management

Since 1945, CARE, a nonprofit organization, has been actively working to address the crisis in Venezuela at a local level and build lasting institutions that support Venezuelan citizens and refugees. Operating in 109 countries, CARE has implemented more than 1,600 development projects aimed at fighting poverty. As of 2024, its work has reached 167 million people. CARE focuses on creating and funding long-term development projects that aim to reduce poverty, rather than merely alleviating immediate needs.

CARE focuses on six main issues: crisis, food and water, health, education and work, climate and equality. The organization addresses these issues through advocacy, innovation, women’s economic justice, strengthening social systems and enhancing local partnerships. In crisis response, CARE aims to deliver gender-focused and localized humanitarian assistance to 10% of people affected by major crises by 2030, impacting at least 50 million people. In Venezuela, CARE is actively implementing crisis response programs to support citizens and refugees affected by the humanitarian crisis.

Regional Refugee Support and CARE’s Response

The crisis in Venezuela has forced approximately 20% of the country’s population to become refugees, with CARE heavily focusing on providing aid to these individuals in surrounding countries. Most Venezuelan refugees find themselves in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. However, Ecuador curtailed its influx of refugees in 2019 by requiring entry visas from Venezuelan citizens, whereas Colombia has welcomed nearly 1.7 million Venezuelan refugees. Since 2018, CARE has expanded its operations in Latin America, specifically in Ecuador, Colombia and southern Venezuela, to respond to this mass exodus.

CARE offers cash vouchers for food and accommodation, transportation tickets, phone SIM cards and sanitary kits for women. In Colombia, new arrivals also receive legal counseling and information services through CARE. Nearly one million Venezuelans have fled to Peru, where CARE provides food and cash assistance and refurbishes shelters and health clinics. Additionally, CARE collaborates with local partners and leverages international support to help refugee host countries promote long-term integration. This includes providing education, health services, social protection, legal advice and entrepreneurship opportunities.

CARE’s Community and Gender-Specific Initiatives

In Venezuela, CARE organizes awareness campaigns and activities to combat gender-based violence and is initiating efforts to address child malnutrition in Caracas. Currently, CARE operates in Caracas and Miranda, collaborating with intervention partners to support vulnerable families, female-headed households, families with children under 5 and the elderly. It provides water, sanitation, hygiene, food and nutrition security, shelter, sexual and reproductive health education and cash voucher assistance. In all its programs, CARE aims to engage 30% of the community to foster social cohesion.

CARE allocates 90% of its expenses to fund programs like those addressing the crisis in Venezuela, but it has only raised 54% of the funds needed to assist everyone currently in crisis. Spreading these funds across all the countries it serves means that many projects cannot reach everyone it aims to help. CARE encourages people not only to donate but also to speak out about these issues. It provides resources where people can help, attend awareness and fundraising events, organize local events and stay connected with the CARE community.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has resulted in the displacement of millions and severe humanitarian challenges. CARE continues to play a vital role in supporting Venezuelan refugees and citizens, providing essential services like food, shelter and legal assistance across Latin America. Despite limited funding, CARE remains committed to addressing the crisis, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and gender-specific initiatives to foster long-term recovery and stability.

– Anna Thibodeau

Anna is based in Omaha, NE, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways UNHCR Is Addressing Venezuelan Displacement

Venezuelan DisplacementVenezuelan displacement is one of the largest forced displacement crises in the world. The country, once a refugee hub in the past, now marks 7.7 million people being displaced globally due to widespread violence, economic pressure, food insecurity and more. Dreaming of security and a better life, 6.5 million, among 7.7 million, have fled to Latin America and the Caribbean. Specifically, as a result, there are nearly 3 million displaced Venezuelans in Colombia, searching for opportunities.

More and more children have been separated from their families and reported fleeing alone. This adds another layer of difficulty in getting proper sustenance and education for their growth and development. As a response, a nonprofit organization, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has stepped up to support the journey of Venezuelans. Here are three ways the UNHCR is addressing Venezuelan displacement:

The Graduation Model Program

One way UNHCR addresses Venezuelan displacement is through the Graduation Model program in Colombia. Launched in 2019, this model includes a series of support programs designed to help displaced Venezuelans. It offers workshops, training and mentorship to assist them in building their own businesses and achieving self-sufficiency. The workshops cover various skills, including business management, finance, marketing and customer service.

Yuli, who relocated to Colombia from Venezuela in 2019, launched her jewelry-making business after participating in the Graduation Model program. Referred to UNHCR by a local humanitarian aid partner, Yuli gained essential skills in budget management and business sustainability through the program. With her business, she could be independent economically and socially, which brought security and hope. She shares her experience: “Everything has changed for the better. Joining the project was my starting point to bring my family happiness, peace of mind and confidence — all I aimed for when I came to Colombia.”

The PPN Program

UNHCR also created the project called Pedagogy and Protection for Refugee and Migrant Children with a Mixed Approach (PPN) in 2019 to help Venezuelan children’s social integration into Colombia. Additionally, the project aims to teach children the value of interculturality through various programs and technical support to school staff.

Mariangelis, an eighth grader from Venezuela, attends Tierra Bomba school in Colombia, where the project has made a significant impact. She expressed her gratitude for receiving quality education and protection. She shared that her experiences have inspired her to pursue studies in human rights. Mariangelis is determined to address the challenges and mistreatment faced by refugees and migrants. Overall, PPN has raised awareness of the importance of quality education, emphasizing interculturality and diversity.

The Trust the Toucan Campaign

In May 2023, UNHCR initiated the Trust the Toucan campaign to address misleading information about relocation on social media that affects Venezuelans’ decisions. The campaign involves creating verified content for Venezuelans through interviews with refugees and sharing their experiences. Many refugees begin their journey without knowing the risk it takes and the dangers along the way, such as crossing the Darién jungle itself.

To ensure that people are well-informed about their journeys, the Trust the Toucan campaign has been informing people’s decisions. The trust aims to mitigate the risk factors with proper preparation. In its first year, it published 334 pieces of content and gained 16 million views.

UNHCR has taken crucial steps to help the refugees through the rebuilding of their lives in search of secure homes in a new country. Furthermore, continuous steps toward long-term solutions for improving the lives of Venezuelan refugees can gradually improve their quality of life and social integration in a new community.

– Sein Kim

Sein is based in Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Insecurity and the Venezuelan Educational System

Venezuelan Educational SystemOnce an oil-rich nation and one of the most progressive in South America, Venezuela is now experiencing an exponential downfall due to a six-year economic crisis. This crisis has severely impacted the Venezuelan educational system, with food insecurity taking a major toll. The educational system is declining as fewer students attend classes, educators struggle to perform their duties and medical care becomes increasingly insufficient.

Lack of Attendance

According to The New York Times, “In Boca de Uchire, the Caruto family has stopped sending its nine children to a nearby school when the cafeteria doesn’t open. ‘I can’t send them to class hungry,’ said José Luis Caruto, a 36-year-old unemployed father of two.” The Caruto family is just one out of thousands affected by food insecurity within the school system.

According to Global Issues, “Hundreds of thousands of children and young people and thousands of their teachers, drop out of regular schooling in Venezuela year after year and most of those who remain go to the classroom only two or three days a week, highlighting the abysmal backwardness of education in the country.” This is largely attributed to food insecurity plaguing the country, especially those most vulnerable, such as impoverished children.

Lack of Proficient Educators

Not only are students affected by Venezuela’s food insecurity crisis, the educators are, as well. In fact, according to the national teachers’ union, thousands of the country’s 550,000 teachers did not show up to classes when schools reopened in September 2020, abandoning their $8-a-month wages.

Venezuela teachers are among the groups most affected by food insecurity and the economic crisis. According to The New York Times, “The number of graduates at Venezuela’s main teacher training center, the Libertador Experimental Pedagogical University, fell 70% from 2014 to 2018.” As a result, many Venezuelan schools have had to enlist parent volunteers to come in and teach their children, resulting in an insufficient learning environment.

Poor Medical Care

As more and more school-age children have fallen helpless to the food insecurity crisis in Venezuela, there has been a high demand for medical care and attention, most of which is unattainable. In schools all across the country, students are fainting mid-class due to extreme hunger. “You can’t educate skeletal and hungry people,” said Maira Marín, a teacher and union leader in Boca de Uchire.

According to South American Initiative, a nongovernmental organization, “The infant mortality rate has doubled because hospitals and parents have no food to feed them. In some cases, parents are forced to abandon their children and drop them off at orphanages because they simply cannot afford food.” Venezuela’s food insecurity crisis, coupled with the unrealistic expectations for medical facilities and workers, makes the risk of attending schools unnecessary for many families. Instead, many children stay home with their parents to participate in the workforce to gain enough revenue to feed their families.

Solutions

While the food insecurity crisis and its effect on the Venezuelan school system looks like a bleak and lost cause, the World Food Programme (WFP) is working to curb the situation. WFP activities in Venezuela include providing school meals and food assistance for vulnerable populations, supporting climate risk management, building resilience and strengthening food systems infrastructure and logistical capacity. The organization aims to support one million Venezuelans with food by the end of 2025.

Conclusion

The Venezuelan educational system is struggling to provide students with adequate nutrition so that they can attend schools, have proper educators and appropriate medical care. However, nonprofit organizations like WFP are actively working to curb the food crisis in Venezuela.

– London Collins Puc

London is based in West Palm Beach, FL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels