Foreign Minister Claims International Aid for Venezuelan Migrants in Colombia is Insufficient

During the International Conference on Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, Colombian Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva criticized the lack of resources and international aid available to support the migrant population.

Leyva estimated that it would cost 1.8 billion dollars over the next three years to achieve full socioeconomic integration for Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia. He also expressed disappointment that Venezuela did not attend the conference.

Leyva reported that at least 2.5 million Venezuelan migrants are registered in Colombia with a desire to stay permanently, and authorities have allocated 1.8 million temporary protection documents. While the European Union urged continued support for the over 7 million Venezuelan migrants, the Inter-American Development Bank praised the regularization efforts of Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil.