Over 500,000 Venezuelans have arrived in Peru since 2015. Beyond food and shelter, many are in need of further support to help them shoulder the responsibility of caring for others.
Since the troubles in Venezuela began more than three years ago, over two million Venezuelans have left their country. Over 500,000 have travelled to Peru, the highest arrivals figure after Colombia, which has nearly one million Venezuelans within its territory. Peru has also become the top destination country for Venezuelans seeking refugee protection, with over 150,000 asylum requests.
In the streets of Lima, the number of informal vendors has multiplied since 2015. The newcomers are mostly Venezuelans and they are easy to recognize – they wear caps with a shiny V on the front and jackets with their homeland’s yellow, blue and red flag across their chest. They also sell atypical products for Peruvians, like Venezuelan pastries and arepas, a national staple made from maize flour.
Venezuelan refugees and migrants arriving in Peru are in dire need of advice and support. Beyond food and shelter, the difficult journeys they have gone through has had a lasting impact on their mental health.
Venezuelan refugees and migrants arriving in Peru are in dire need of advice and support. Beyond food and shelter, the difficult journeys they have gone through has had a lasting impact on their mental health.
Migsoe came to Peru to protect her daughters. Like thousands of other Venezuelans, she was forced to leave her home. Migsoe was a schoolteacher, and now sells food on the streets.
The struggle to find work and provide for family takes a toll on young and old alike. At this centre in Lima, families receive counselling and support~ UNHCR
Psychologist Julio Rondinel sees new arrivals struggle with emotional challenges.
