Venezuela crisis set to worsen in coming days, says World Vision

• Resources are needed to provide food, medicine and protection to arriving Venezuelans
• World Vision is concerned about the impact of the crisis on children and families

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 14, 2019 /CNW/ - The Venezuela displacement crisis will worsen as the number of people fleeing to neighbouring countries continues to rise, World Vision Canada said today.

Displaced Venezuelans who have fled to Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including protection from exploitation, shelter, and access to basic services, including food, sanitation, and other essential life-saving supports.

Lindsay Gladding, Director of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs, World Vision Canada, recently visited Cucuta, on the Colombia-Venezuela border, to assist with relief efforts. "The numbers of Venezuelans fleeing their homes due to hyper-inflation and insecurity continues to increase," Gladding says. "World Vision is deeply concerned about the impact on children and families as a result of the deteriorating situation in Venezuela and the risk of exploitation and family separation for children on the move."

The crisis is now the largest ever displacement of people in the Western Hemisphere, with 35,000 people crossing the Venezuelan border every day. 

World Vision is supporting new Venezuelan arrivals in neighbouring countries by providing them resources to secure food, hygiene kits and by providing school supplies and creating child-friendly spaces where children can receive psycho-social support. World Vision is also focused on women and children who are often the most vulnerable to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation associated with displacement.

How Canadians can help:
Canadians can donate to World Vision's emergency response for Venezuela by visiting www.worldvision.ca or 1-866-595-5550

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 35,000 people are crossing the Venezuelan border every day.
• Venezuelans in need across the region (December 2018) are as follows: Colombia (1,032,000); Peru (506,000); Ecuador (221,000); Brazil (154,000).

Additional Resources
For high resolution photo (Link)
Caption: Children are the worst affected by the ongoing crisis in Venezuela

About World Vision 
World Vision is a relief, development and advocacy organisation working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information, visit www.worldvision.ca or follow us on Twitter @worldvisioncan

SOURCE World Vision Canada