Colombia opens doors to over 2.8 million Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge

Colombia has become a refuge for Venezuelan migrants, with over 2.8 million individuals residing in the country as of mid-2024. This influx has been primarily driven by economic, political, and safety concerns in Venezuela, leading more than 7.7 million people to flee since 2014. Migrants often pass through Colombia on their way to the Darien Gap, a dangerous route to North America. In Palmira, shelters like the Pope Francis Migrant Shelter provide crucial support, offering a temporary home for many who have faced harrowing experiences during their journey. At the shelter, individuals like Velásquez and Méndez find purpose in helping fellow migrants, recounting stories of families torn apart and individuals searching for missing loved ones lost during migration. Many migrants have faced terrible circumstances, including human trafficking and sexual abuse, exacerbating their need for safe spaces and support networks. Organizations, such as the Eudes Foundation, aim to provide not only food and HIV information but also emotional sustenance through prayer and community. Santa Fe, a neighborhood in Bogotá, is notable for its concentration of Venezuelan sex workers, many of whom are seeking sanctuary and support. Rey, who collaborates with local organizations, emphasizes the connections formed between locals and migrants, aiming to foster an atmosphere of acceptance and love. The plight of LGBTQ+ migrants is particularly harrowing, as many have had to navigate deeply ingrained prejudices, often facing hostility at home in Venezuela as well as challenges in their new communities. They use spaces like The Refuge to bond over shared experiences and seek spiritual support. The current situation for Venezuelan migrants highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by deteriorating conditions in Venezuela and urges a greater global response. The continuous stream of migrants stresses the need for policies that adequately address both immediate needs for shelter, food, and medical care, and the long-term integration of migrants into Colombian society, ensuring their safety and dignity as they navigate their new lives in a foreign land.