Caritas Bolivia increases service to migrants at the borders

Caritas Bolivia has signed new agreements with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to renew its work for mostly Venezuelan migrants at its borders.

Caritas Bolivia, a network of 18 social-pastoral Church-related units in Bolivia, sought help from these two international organizations to carry out its service in the most remote parts of its borders, assisting migrants, especially those of Venezuelan origin, at the border with Peru (in the city of Desaguadero), with Chile (in the city of Pisiga) and with Argentina (in the cities of Villazón and Villamontes).

During Mass on January 6, celebrated for the Feast of the Epiphany, Archbishop Sergio Gualberti of Santa Cruz spoke of a service that “leads to life, to the practice of justice, to the common good, to solidarity, to brotherhood, to love and peace".  

"Let us ask the wise to help us walk the path of new life, of the renewal of our faith in the true God, of the renewal of our commitment, of our dedication and of our service to his kingdom of love and life,” he said. 

According to United Nations data, in December 2021, more than 20,000 Venezuelan migrants entered Bolivia, of whom only about 1,000 had been granted refugee status.  

Venezuelan exodus 

Most Venezuelans use irregular routes, braving the remote inhospitable terrain, where dangers include sexual exploitation and abuse by criminal groups.  

They journey by foot, lacking the appropriate clothing for the extreme weather conditions. Many arrive hungry and in ill health, suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, hypothermia and altitude sickness.  

Moreover, the new arrivals often lack proper shelter and are forced to sleep out in the open.  

On the streets of several cities in Bolivia there are entire families of migrants who ask for help, clean cars or sell sweets to obtain the necessary resources to meet their humanitarian needs of food and shelter, reports Fides.

Bolivia has just over 11 million inhabitants and is a country of transit rather than destination for asylum seekers, refugees as well as for migrants.

Caritas Bolivia has been working for more than 10 years to help these people on the move and who pass through its borders in search of a better future.  

In recent years, the Venezuelan economic and political crisis has increased the flow of migrants and refugees entering various Latin American countries. 

Nearly six million people have fled Venezuela since 2015, equivalent to 20% of the country’s population, according to a UN report. 

Caritas and UNHCR 

Caritas is UNHCR’s implementing partner executing operational projects aimed at providing counselling and basic humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.

UNHCR pledges to provide technical support and advice to local agencies involved in the implementation of fair and efficient refugee status determination procedures and to improve reception conditions at the main entry border of (Desaguadero), acting as a "one-stop" point where refugees and migrants have access to information, legal orientation and primary health care services. 

UNHCR partners with Caritas to guarantee the rights of refugees, advocate for their access to territory, asylum and regularization, while together providing basic goods and services, such as temporary accommodation, food and hygiene kits.

A South American problem 

Between 2000 and 2017, several South American leaders -- including presidents in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia -- pushed for more progressive immigration laws that made it easier for migrants to cross borders, work legally and obtain resident visas. 

But the trend in policy has since reversed, with restrictions on movement gaining momentum.

In Bolivia, Supreme Decree No. 4576 of 25 August 2021, continued to be in force, authorizing migratory regularization for foreign nationals in an irregular situation, including Venezuelans citizens. 

In spite of this, social agencies have reported an increase in migratory controls by the authorities in different areas of Bolivia, specially in accommodations used by Venezuelans, with hotel owners reluctant to host refugees and migrants due to possible sanctions. 

In some Bolivian cities, they are being sheltered in private houses, generating greater concern about the protection risks that may arise in this context, according to a ReliefWeb situation report. 

Tensions between the throngs of migrants and the local population in Bolivia have progressively escalated.

Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, is already swamped by health, social and political problems.

As of January 7, there were 11,002 new cases and 40 new deaths in Bolivia, taking the total coronavirus figures to 652,819 infected and 19,888 dead. 

Bolivia is also going through a particularly troubled period since the presidential election in October 2019 with a coup, a political crisis, indefinite street protests, the promulgation of laws of dubious constitutionality that Catholic bishops say are a violation of freedoms and fundamental rights.