According to the findings of the United Nations (UN) local office, Guyana ought to give itself a pat on the back for its efforts in treating Venezuelan migrants and refugees in a humane manner.
In honor of UN day, United Nations Guyana, this morning, hosted a media editors’ breakfast. At that forum, UN Resident Coordinator, Yesim Oruc spoke about Guyana’s leading role in the treatment of Venezuelans.
According to United Nations statistics, as of August 2023, Guyana hosts 21, 974 Venezuelan refugees and migrants as compared to only 111 refugees and asylum seekers from other countries.
Oruc said that Guyana has been a “pretty good” example, compared to other countries in the Region, in terms of humanitarian response. The UN official said she visited Barima-Waini (Region 1) where she met with teachers, schools’ officials, village councilors, Toshaos and health officials. She said, “People are bending over backwards regarding services.”
The official continued, “Can more be done for both the local indigenous communities and the migrants coming in? Of course! But, compared to the rest in the Region, Guyana has been quite good in providing humanitarian responses.”
Of significance is the point made that many of the Venezuelans in Guyana are vulnerable. Oruc noted that many of those who made their way here are women, children and the sick. Therefore, the services accessed here are indeed much needed.
