FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Maduro’s continuing disregard for the universal human rights of the Venezuelan people has triggered over 1.5 million Venezuelans to seek safety in neighboring countries. The United Nations recently called for international support to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to this growing and increasingly vulnerable population. Today the United States announced it will provide an initial $2.5 million to support the Government of Colombia’s efforts to address this crisis, which is a growing threat to regional security and stability. This funding is in addition to the $36.5 million the United States has already provided to support the regional humanitarian operations of the UN’s refugee agency and other international organizations, including support of vulnerable Venezuelans.

“The tragic events in Venezuela are now threatening instability in the entire region. The regime’s refusal to allow the international community to directly deliver humanitarian aid within its borders is only fueling the mass exodus. The United States remains committed to working with our friends in Colombia to help the displaced, and we call on other nations to join us in supporting the UN Humanitarian Appeal. While this assistance will help alleviate some immediate humanitarian needs, free and fair elections and transparent, accountable governance are necessary for restoring democracy, human rights, and prosperity to Venezuela,” said Ambassador Haley.

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