The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament calls for a common effort to deliver solidarity with the people of Venezuela ahead of the Donors Conference starting today, convened by the EU and Spain, with the participation of over 60 countries as well as agencies of the United Nations, international financial institutions and representatives of national and international civil society. Millions of Venezuelans had to leave their country to escape violence, insecurity and threats as well as lack of food, medicine and essential services, in the largest exodus in the region’s recent history.
Ongoing political, human rights and socio-economic developments in Venezuela compel growing numbers of children, women and men to leave for neighbouring countries and beyond.
MEP Jordi Cañas (Ciudadanos, Spain), Renew Europe Group’s Eurolat Coordinator, said this event is crucial for the people of Venezuela, heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis which comes on top of the disastrous humanitarian situation:
“Once again, the European Union must show its support to Venezuelans and uphold its long-standing commitment to end the unprecedented crisis the region is facing. Almost five million Venezuelans have fled their home country, as a direct consequence of Maduro's repressive regime, and the situation has turned even worse due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. They count on our solidarity, especially in offering support to the countries in the region and the pressures they are facing in welcoming and hosting refugees fleeing from the dire consequences of every-day life in Venezuela.”
Renew Europe MEP, Dita Charanzová (ANO, Czech Republic), European Parliament’s Vice-President in charge of Latin America, added:
“The COVID crisis is having a devastating effect for Venezuelans at home and those displaced abroad. Even before the crisis, the health system in Venezuela was on the verge of collapse and Maduro refused any humanitarian aid. Millions of Venezuelans had to flee the worsening crises and repression, but continue to find themselves in vulnerable situations. Venezuelans need the world's solidarity now more than ever.”
Renew Europe MEP, Stéphane Séjourné (La République en marche, France), Chair of the EP-Mercosur Delegation, concluded :
“We strongly hope that the Donors Conference will be successful in raising awareness in the international community about this unprecedented crisis.
Humanitarian assistance, as well as increased support for socio-economic inclusion, need to be urgently scaled-up, in order to complement efforts by countries that can do so to continue to accept refugees and migrants in a safe and welcoming environment.”
ENDS