Washington DC | On October 1, 2019, AVSI Foundation launched a new project in Brazil, “Promoting integration through employment of Venezuelan refugees and migrants and other vulnerable persons.” The project, funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), will reach 9,600 beneficiaries directly and 35,000 indirectly over two years. 

Venezuela is facing an intense political and economic situation that has been recognized by the international community as a humanitarian crisis. As a result of this crisis, approximately 115,000 Venezuelans have fled across the Brazilian border seeking shelter, contributing to social and economic tensions in Roraima state, specially in the cities of Boa Vista and Pacaraima; UNHC Restimates that over 200,000Venezuelans are residing in Brazil as of August 2019. 

Implemented by AVSI Brasil in partnership with the Migrationand Human Rights Institute (IMDH), the project’s main goal is to guarantee the rights of Venezuelan refugees and migrants living in Brazilin support of the humanitarian emergency program, “Operação Acolhida” (“Operation Welcome”), led by the Brazilian Federal Government with UNHCR. 

Through this project, AVSI aims to improve access to formal work for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, as well as the most vulnerable sectors of the Brazilian population, and second, facilitate the voluntary relocation of refugees and migrants currently hosted in the cities of BoaVista and Pacaraima. AVSI is leading a multi-stake holder effort for greater long-term sustainability and positive impact.

Private companies will be engaged directly, matching business needs fora skilled and motivated work force with employees, both among the Venezuelan migrants and host population. Civil society organizations will support social integration of migrants during relocation. The Government of Brazil will remain a leading actor, both at national and local levels, for coordination and streamlining of priorities and resources. 

For more information please contact Jackie Aldrette at Jackie.aldrette@avsi.org