Thank you.
I would like to start by saying that UNHCR has worked in Venezuela for more than 35 years, earning the trust of communities and accompanying them through major shifts in the country's recent history. Venezuela has long been a host country for refugees and migrants. Currently, a significant number of individuals are returning with the intention of reintegrating. This trend requires tailored support.
Throughout these changes, UNHCR has continued working directly with people on the move and with communities that are exposed to protection risks. The office supports access to essential services and strengthens community coping capacities, complementing the efforts of local authorities. Through community-based approaches, UNHCR works with communities and stakeholders to identify barriers, promote inclusion and facilitate referral to state services.
In this dialogue with the committee, UNHCR would like to present needs and risks. Current dynamics are marked by contrasts. Communities continue to face ongoing socio-economic constraints. This influences their access to health care, education, documentation and social programs, even as some areas experience economic recovery. Other challenges include situations described as pressure or restrictive practices by various groups. Youth, small traders and those without documentation are particularly affected. Community structures also identify a high demand for psychosocial support, and 93% refer to this as a priority need in their community.
Despite these pressures, the situation remains relatively calm. No major new outward movements have been observed. Monitoring instead shows a steady trend of returns, internal relocations and short-term cross-border mobility. In 2025-26, 59% of monitored individuals were returning to Venezuela and 41% were departing.
The returnees that UNHCR engages with in Venezuela express a combination of hope and caution regarding their reintegration process. The drivers of return include family reunification, reduced opportunities and integration barriers in their host countries. There are also expectations of improving conditions in Venezuela. Although most returnees wish to remain in the country, they do encounter some challenges, especially in areas that have been very much affected by issues of mobility.
Returns are an area where UNHCR seeks to collaborate with states and support the initiatives of the government, in line with its mandate. The organization is preparing to support voluntary returns from host countries, as well as reception and reintegration inside of Venezuela. At the same time, it should be noted that many Venezuelans abroad are likely to remain in their country of asylum or host country. Therefore, it will be necessary to support regularization, residency pathways, naturalization and access to national protection systems. The regional efforts for protection assistance and integration are supported through the regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela, or R4V. This initiative is co-led by IOM and UNHCR.
Overall, Venezuela's protection environment continues to be influenced by diverse overlapping dynamics. UNHCR's response prioritizes protection services, legal assistance and strengthened referral pathways. This is done through multiservice spaces in key locations. UNHCR stands ready to scale up activities as part of a state-led response.
Finally, in this context, UNHCR deeply appreciates the long-standing support of the Government of Canada and members of Parliament from all parties who have consistently advocated for meeting the humanitarian needs of Venezuelans. Continued Canadian humanitarian leadership remains vital. UNHCR recognizes Canada's critical role as a donor in sustaining protection assistance and integration efforts for Venezuelans throughout the region, and possibly for the reception and reintegration of those who want to return to the country. Therefore, UNHCR encourages Canada to maintain and, wherever possible, expand its support.
Thank you very much.