Canada and EU conclude the 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants

March 17, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The outflow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela is currently one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with nearly 7.2 million people having fled or left their country. Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, successfully concluded the 2-day 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and Their Host Countries and Communities.

Canada pledged $58.55 million in international assistance funding, while the European Commission pledged €75 million in humanitarian funding. This funding will go toward responding to humanitarian needs, providing access to shelter, food, water and sanitation, among other needs, as well as supporting the long-term integration of refugees and migrants into host communities and facilitating their access to education, health and employment opportunities.

The conference was organized in close collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela, as well as key host countries and partners.

Conference participants heard directly from affected refugees and migrants, who shared their stories of hardship and hope. It was an opportunity for host countries and donors, as well as civil society and private sector actors, to highlight the progress made to date, show solidarity with host countries and communities and raise awareness on key challenges and opportunities.