Venezuela calls for refugee dignity and welcome on World Refugee Day

Venezuela's government marked World Refugee Day on June 20 by urging global solidarity and respect for refugees. Foreign Minister Yván Gil emphasized that people are forced to leave their homes due to circumstances beyond their control, such as war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses.

"Today, on World Refugee Day, Venezuela joins the global call for respect and dignity for all refugees worldwide, urging that they be welcomed with the humanity and kindness we all deserve," Gil stated via the government's Telegram channel.

This call for solidarity comes as the UN's R4V platform reports that nearly 7 million Venezuelans have sought refuge or migrated to other Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Venezuelan opposition, led by María Corina Machado, blames the government's economic and public service crises for this mass exodus. The government, however, denies this and encourages citizens to return.

Venezuela has participated in repatriation efforts, including a migration agreement with the United States that has facilitated return flights. Since February 2025, over 28,000 Venezuelans have reportedly returned through the "Gran Misión Vuelta a la Patria" program.

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Today, on World Refugee Day, Venezuela joins the global call for respect and dignity for all refugees worldwide, urging that they be welcomed with the humanity and kindness we all deserve.