Latin America

Venezuela

Health
Mental health & psychosocial support
Nutrition
Protection
Water, sanitation & hygiene

2019

mission start date

national staff

expatriate staff

41 509

people supported

2019

mission start date

national staff

expatriate staff

41 509

people supported

Context

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.

Our approach
Description of the mission

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.

Première Urgence Internationale
in action

The Venezuela mission addresses critical needs in vulnerable communities across the country, focusing on health, livelihoods, and community empowerment.

The first initiative, “Jo arao. ¡Kokotuka orikuare!”, targets the Warao communities in Delta Amacuro. It aims to reduce migration by enhancing livelihoods and empowering women of reproductive age and children under five, benefiting 660 individuals. Partnering with Fundación Tierra Viva and CEDESEX, the focus is on WASH and gender-sensitive livelihood initiatives.
The second objective is to improve living conditions for crisis-affected populations by addressing health, nutrition and mental health and psychosocial support, targeting 9,000 vulnerable individuals, including women and young children, to create a protective environment.
The third objective is an integrated response project addressing health, nutrition, mental health, and water, sanitation and hygiene in neglected areas. In collaboration with three other organizations, Première Urgence Internationale aims to improve health conditions for over 30,000 individuals, particularly women, girls, and indigenous communities.

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. ”