RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Organisation of American States (OAS) says a new report prepared by its General Secretariat has warned that the number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants could rise to seven million in 2021 if regional countries reopen their borders and the Government in Venezuela remains in place.
The OAS said The Situation Report – the second since its first in November 2020, prepared for this crisis and headed by David Smolansky – presents “a balance of the year 2020” for Venezuelan refugees and migrants.
The report highlights that the coronavirus pandemic worsened the Venezuelan migration crisis in 2020.
“Although the outflow slowed down due to border closures and mandatory confinement, these measures increased the difficulties faced by Venezuelan migrants and refugees and, therefore, the challenges of care, protection and integration,” the report says.
“The conditions of vulnerability in which Venezuelan migrants arrive in host countries are increasingly critical after the deepening crisis in Venezuela,” it adds.
The report says that the remains of 33 Venezuelan migrants who fled their country by sea, including minors, have been found on the maritime border between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago.
“If borders reopen in the first quarter of 2021 and the illegitimate regime in Venezuela continues in power, the number of migrants and refugees could rise to 7 million,” the report warns.