Haitians, Venezuelans Fleeing to Latin America Amid Worsening Crises

Haitians, Venezuelans Seek Refuge in Latin America

Human Rights Group Express Concerns over Vulnerable Migrants

A human rights group has expressed concerns over the plight of Haitians and Venezuelans fleeing to Latin America amid worsening crises in their home countries. The group, Human Rights Watch (HRW), said in a report released on Tuesday that the number of Haitians and Venezuelans seeking refuge in Latin America has increased significantly in recent years, with many fleeing violence, political instability, and economic hardship.

The report, titled "Trapped in Transit: Haitians and Venezuelans Seeking Protection in Latin America," documents the challenges faced by these migrants as they attempt to find safety and stability in new countries. HRW said that many Haitians and Venezuelans are fleeing persecution and violence, while others are seeking economic opportunities.

The group said that the influx of migrants has put a strain on the resources of Latin American countries, which are already struggling to cope with their own economic and social problems. HRW urged governments in the region to do more to protect the rights of migrants and to provide them with access to essential services.

Haitians Fleeing Political Instability and Violence

Haiti has been plagued by political instability and violence in recent years, with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 plunging the country into further chaos. The country has also been hit by a series of natural disasters, including a devastating earthquake in 2010 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

The political instability and violence have forced many Haitians to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as the Dominican Republic and Chile. HRW said that Haitians are often subjected to discrimination and xenophobia in these countries, and that they face challenges in accessing basic services such as healthcare and education.

Venezuelans Fleeing Economic Hardship

Venezuela has been suffering from a severe economic crisis in recent years, with hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods and services causing widespread hardship. The crisis has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

HRW said that Venezuelans are often subjected to discrimination and xenophobia in these countries, and that they face challenges in accessing basic services such as healthcare and education. The group also expressed concerns about the safety of Venezuelans who are forced to return to their home country.

Human Rights Concerns

HRW said that the influx of migrants from Haiti and Venezuela has raised a number of human rights concerns, including:

• Discrimination and xenophobia
• Lack of access to basic services
• Arbitrary detention and deportation
• Risk of exploitation and abuse

The group urged governments in Latin America to do more to protect the rights of migrants and to provide them with access to essential services. HRW also called on the international community to provide financial and technical assistance to Latin American countries to help them cope with the influx of migrants.

Sources:

• Human Rights Watch: Trapped in Transit: Haitians and Venezuelans Seeking Protection in Latin America
• UNHCR: UNHCR urges Latin America to step up response to Haitian and Venezuelan refugees