The post Crisis in Venezuela: The Cúcuta border registers a daily increase in Venezuelan migrants appeared first on Minuto30.
The political crisis in Venezuela has intensified the flow of migrants to Colombia, with an average of 140 to 160 Venezuelans crossing the Cúcuta border every day, according to the Fundación Nueva Ilusión, an NGO dedicated to assisting migrants.
The organization has reported that the increase in the number of migrants began on July 29, 2024, just after the presidential elections in Venezuela. This increase is due to the increasing repression of the government of Nicolás Maduro, which has generated a wave of persecution and political violence in the neighboring country.
Patricia Salguero, founder of the Fundación Nueva Ilusión, explained that many people who leave Venezuela seek protection in other countries after being “marked” by the Venezuelan authorities. These marks are usually the result of their participation in opposition activities or because they are perceived as threats to the regime.
“Many migrants choose to use trochas, unofficial border crossings, to avoid immigration controls and prevent their detention by Venezuelan officials,” said Salguero. The NGO has recorded testimonies from young people between 16 and 18 years old who fear being recruited by the Venezuelan armed forces.
The crisis has also affected the border with Brazil. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that August 26 was one of the days with the highest influx of migrants in the Pacaraima area, with 744 people crossing, of whom 589 requested international protection.
Since July 29, more than 2,400 people have been arrested in Venezuela, many of them in protests or in police operations. Political violence has resulted in the deaths of 25 people, with the government blaming the opposition and the opposition blaming the security forces.
The Penal Forum has counted 116 adolescents detained between July 29 and August 26, which has provoked criticism for human rights violations. However, it has been confirmed that 30 adolescents were released under precautionary measures.
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The post Crisis in Venezuela: The Cúcuta border registers a daily increase in Venezuelan migrants appeared first on Minuto30.
2024-09-01 19:14:21
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