As with most things in life, men and women experience the process of migration differently. They also face different challenges. While the reasons for migrating are “gender neutral,” women experience additional vulnerabilities that migrant men do not.
We're all waiting to see how the current stalemate in Venezuela will be resolved, but free and democratic elections should be the outcome of the crisis, and that means including around 3 million Venezuelans of the diaspora, even if they have no regular status.
Venezuelans in the diaspora can contribute both to the countries that host them and to the country they’re from. At this crucial juncture, all the Venezuelan abroad can play a crucial role. Here’s how.
2018 was the year when Venezuelan traditional migratory patterns were altered: It became the country of origin in the Americas with the highest numbers of displaced people. Check out the key milestones in what became the year of Venezuelan migration.
In 1998, Venezuela had no history of mass migration to speak of. Since then, we’ve witnessed three heaves of outflows: the latest one mass-based. How a peaceful country ended up shedding more migrants than Afghanistan.
In Colombia, babies must be born from Colombian citizens or residents to obtain Colombian citizenship. What happens to babies with Venezuelan moms who face so many obstacles to have access to a Venezuelan birth certificate or a passport? Venezuelan babies without citizenship may become “an invisible generation” before the law.
The hidden ghosts of xenophobia and discrimination are coming out, but that’s overridden by an enormous group of people who help Venezuelans in their journey to a new and more dignified life.
During Almagro’s visit to Cúcuta, a city in the Colombia-Venezuela border, we got to see the depth of Venezuelans’ struggle. We identified the challenges ahead and the possible solutions to make it easier for migrants, refugees and for the receiving countries.
Guaranteeing a country’s national security and the human rights of migrants and refugees at the same time is a struggle. Every country has the right to determine who can stay and this right must be respected. However, the humanitarian crisis makes it imperative for countries to offer solutions and options to collectively preserve their rights.
Starting August 2, 2018, Venezuelans will have rights to health, education and employment in Colombia. With a decree approved by President Santos, around 400 thousand Venezuelans are now regular migrants. Other countries should follow the lead.
We’ve been able to hang on for 22 years in one of the craziest media landscapes in the world. We’ve seen different media outlets in Venezuela (and abroad) closing shop, something we’re looking to avoid at all costs. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping us weather the storm.
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