Venezuelans fleeing the economic crisis in their country should not be treated as migrants in Guyana, but rather, as refugees. This is according to Guyana’s Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton. During a press conference this morning, the leader said that an estimated 35,000 Venezuelans are on Guyanese soil, even as both countries are locked in a border controversy.
The Guyanese leader is adamant that discussions between himself and President Irfaan Ali are warranted to devise feasible strategies to address Venezuelans seeking refuge in Guyana, particularly in regions with poor border monitoring capabilities.
Norton maintains that this large number of Venezuelans poses a serious threat to Guyana’s security. While he noted that aid must be given to them, they must not be allowed to be part of the political undertakings of the state. In other words, refugees must be treated as refugees and not part of the political sphere. More concerning, Norton noted, is an alleged plot by the government to grant citizenship to Venezuelans for electoral advantage.
Norton said that no Guyanese political party has managed to pull off a landslide win in the last four elections. He surmised that if these Venezuelans are granted citizenship, they could shift the balance in favour of the government, especially if the regime is fixed on strengthening its support base ahead of the 2025 Regional and General Elections. The Opposition Leader also noted that these very Venezuelans could realise they have strength in numbers and move to establish their own political parties with their own agendas. This could spell doom, Norton said, especially if their large number places them in a position where their votes will be the deciding factor in an election.
“Should they become a majority in any sizable area of our territory, Guyana could face the threat of possible annexation of these areas by Venezuela…The influx and uncontrolled integration of refugees, can also facilitate the placement of fifth columnists and operatives into key government, military and leadership positions both at the local and national level,” Norton said.
The Opposition Leader noted that the UN Convention of Refugees, under which Guyana is obligated to accept refugees, spells out clearly that they are entitled to such rights as to employment, education, health care, internal travel, and housing.
International law, however, makes a clear distinction between migrants and refugees. In particular, there is no obligation for States to grant political rights to refugees. Each nation has to assess its own particular circumstances, Norton emphasised.
“The time is long past for a national conversation on refugees, their treatment and their path to Guyanese citizenship. Unless decisive action is taken, Guyanese will find that their country faces serious threats to its security and sovereignty without a gunshot fired in anger or any military action. In the two years remaining in its tenure, the PPP needs to act before the situation gets worse,” Norton noted.
