The Group of Friends of the Quito Process has praised Colombia's decision to grant Temporary Protection Status to Venezuelan migrants and refugees for a decade. This initiative is seen as a significant step toward alleviating human suffering among Venezuelans and promoting their economic integration and access to essential services.
Venezuela's internal crisis has forced nearly 5.5 million people to leave the country in search of protection, assistance, and employment. This exodus is the second largest in recent history, following Syria. Colombia hosts the largest number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, with over 1.7 million residing within its borders.
The scale of this crisis necessitates a coordinated regional response. The Quito Process, under Peru's Pro Tempore Presidency and in collaboration with UNHCR and IOM, plays an essential role in addressing these challenges.
The Group of Friends acknowledges that Colombia's announcement comes amid ongoing health and economic difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring that Venezuelan migrants have access to basic health services, including COVID-19 vaccinations, will aid recovery efforts.
The Group remains dedicated to supporting the Quito Process in coordinating policies aimed at managing Venezuelan migration more effectively.
This statement is supported by Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.