Greek authorities have made a concerted effort to deny or undercut access to asylum to those seeking safety. Daphne Panayotatos lays out a framework for how Greece—with the support of the European Union—can reverse course and fulfill its international commitments to asylum seekers and refugees.

Colombia has extended a relatively generous welcome to nearly 1.8 million displaced Venezuelans. But many Venezuelans in Colombia are struggling to make ends meet. Research from the Center for Global Development and Refugees International shows that Venezuelans can make meaningful economic contributions and become more self-sufficient if given access to decent work opportunities.

Nearly six months after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, European countries are assessing the initial impact and planning a recovery. A “frontline” country of the European Union (EU), Spain manages multiple borders on its mainland, islands, and overseas enclaves. Even positive steps taken to mitigate the pandemic’s harmful effects laid bare shortcomings in Spain’s asylum system.

Aunque Colombia ha dado una bienvenida relativamente generosa a sus vecinos venezolanos, las conmociones del coronavirus han dejado a los venezolanos desplazados en una situación de mayor vulnerabilidad. Muchos han perdido o corren el riesgo de perder el acceso a ingresos, vivienda, alimentos y otras necesidades básicas.

Though Colombia has given its Venezuelan neighbors a relatively generous welcome, the shocks of the coronavirus have left displaced Venezuelans in a situation of heightened vulnerability. Many have lost or risk losing access to income, housing, food, and other basic needs. 

Staffers from Colombia's Secretary of Health check Venezuelans while leaving Colombia and returning to their country, as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, at the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, in Cucuta, Colombia-Venezuela border, on April 28, 2020. (Photo by Schneyder MENDOZA / AFP) (Photo by SCHNEYDER MENDOZA/AFP via Getty Images)

The world’s more than 70 million forcibly displaced people—including refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs, and other forced migrants—are among the most vulnerable to the novel coronavirus.

Colombia acoge a 1,5 millones de refugiados y migrantes venezolanos. El país ha movilizado asistencia humanitaria de emergencia, facilitado el acceso a los servicios y al trabajo y creado mecanismos para que cientos de miles puedan regularizar su situación migratoria. Sin embargo, la capacidad de Colombia se agota cada vez más, y la respuesta internacional sigue sin contar con recursos suficientes. Es necesario que la comunidad internacional dé un paso adelante y ayude a Colombia a hacerle frente a la situación. 

Colombia hosts 1.5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants and has mobilized emergency humanitarian assistance, facilitated access to services and work, and created mechanisms for hundreds of thousands to regularize their status. But Colombia’s capacity is growing increasingly strained and the international response remains underfunded. The international community must step up.

Almost 1.2 million Venezuelans have entered Ecuador since 2015, most of whom have traveled onward to Peru or other third countries as they flee economic and social collapse at home. As more Venezuelans with increasingly acute needs arrive and choose to stay, Ecuador must do more to protect and provide opportunities for Venezuelans—and international donors must respond more generously.

The Venezuelan displacement crisis has continued to grow during the first months of 2019. Now in its fourth year, this is one of the largest displacement crises in the world—3.4 million have fled Venezuela, and the global community is watching to see how the region responds. As affected states convene in Quito to discuss a way forward, they must use the opportunity to harmonize policies and mobilize support for a coordinated, effective response. Refugees International takes stock of recent developments in view of the goals of the Quito Process and recommends national- and regional-level action. 

As European countries negotiate a new Pact on Asylum and Migration, “no more Morias” has become a rallying cry. In The New Humanitarian, Daphne Panayotatos warns that Greece cannot wait for an agreement to fulfill its obligations to protect those seeking safety.

Daphne Panayotatos outlines guiding principles for EU leaders as they begin negotiations over the new Pact on Migration and Asylum.

In Quito, Ecuador, Diálogo Diverso is working with pride to help LGBTQI+ Venezuelans who have fled their home country find shelter, food, and other resources. They work to “reach LGBTQI+ individuals where they are” in Ecuador.

On March 18, 2016, the European Union and Turkey agreed on a statement of cooperation to manage the crossing of refugees and migrants from Turkey to Greece’s Aegean islands. The deal came in response to the rapid arrival in Europe of more than 1 million people fleeing conflict and hardship at home. Five years and millions of euros later, with tens of thousands of people still trapped in dire conditions on the islands, what has long been clear is as evident as ever—the deal is a failure.

Refugees International Advocate Daphne Panayotatos reacts to the destruction of Moria camp in Greece due to large fires.