Canada supports UNHCR and Colombia in strengthening protection mechanisms for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants: a milestone in humanitarian support.
[Bogotá] – Canada takes an important step in supporting Venezuelan refugees and migrants with a reinforcement of the Temporary Protection Status (TPS) program, and a firm commitment to bolstering the Colombian asylum system.
Colombia is the country hosting the highest number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the world (approximately 2.9M) and the country hosting the third largest number of refugees overall. In March 2021, the Government of Colombia established the Temporary Protection Statute (TPS), which is a Temporary Protection Regime, and a complementary mechanism to the international refugee protection mechanism for Venezuelan refugees and migrants. Venezuelans who meet certain criteria can obtain a Temporary Protection Permit (TPP).
The creation of the TPS is an unprecedented event in the country’s history and the region because it allows eligible Venezuelans to regularize their stay and reside in Colombia for ten years, which includes accessing a full range of rights such as identification documents, healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion, among others. By its nature, the TPS is considered a good practice in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) framework because it aligns to its objectives 1 and 2, which consist of easing pressures on host countries and enhancing refugee self-reliance.
Canada is supporting both the Government of Colombia and UNHCR to provide legal assistance to Venezuelan refugees and migrants. Under Canada´s joint project with UNHCR, “Strengthening Colombia’s Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Venezuelan refugees and migrants and the Colombian asylum system”, worth 1 million Canadian dollars, from 2023 until 2025 three pivotal activities are already driving tangible results.
1) Increased access to legal aid: a surge in beneficiaries gaining access to legal support for their specific protection needs. In 2023 alone, over 40,000 people have received legal assistance.
2) Improved refugee status determination procedures: the heightened quality and efficiency of determination processes, leading to more equitable outcomes for applicants.
3) Streamlined regularization: support the advancements in the regularization processes for Venezuelan refugees and migrants by ensuring all those eligible can be holders of the Temporary Protection Permit, fostering within Colombian communities.
This targeted support enhances and expedites the integration of these individuals, providing stability and opportunities for their livelihoods.
Speaking on the importance of these endeavors, Rocío Castañeda, UNHCR’s Communications Officer in Colombia, expressed profound gratitude for the collaborative efforts between Canada, the Government of Colombia, and international partners.
“The reinforcement of Colombia’s TPS for Venezuelan refugees and migrants signifies a beacon of hope, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to upholding humanitarian values and extending support to those in vulnerable situations,” said Mrs. Castañeda.
For media inquiries:
In Colombia: Rocío Castañeda, UNHCR, castaner@unhcr.org (Associate Communications Office
Vera Quina quina@unhcr.org, UNHCR (Associate External Relations Officer)
