COOPI presence in THE COUNTRY

For several years, Venezuela has been experiencing an unprecedented complex crisis with major economic, political and social repercussions, leading to the largest exodus in modern Latin American history. So much so that, to date, more than 7 million people – 24% of the population - have left the country, while more than 65% of the remaining families live in multidimensional poverty, with limited access to food, education, public services, income and employment.

Since 2018, COOPI has started in the near countries the first programmes to assist migratory flows from Venezuela. The organization - that had already been active in the country - since 2019, has activated a stable presence in Venezuela, by integrating a regional approach to the crisis involving several countries in Latin America.

In collaboration with local organisations in Venezuela, COOPI has implemented, and still does, protection and prevention programmes to assist victims of sexual and/or gender-based violence, victims of trafficking or smuggling and minors. These programmes have been integrated with activities on sexual and reproductive health, giving access to water and energy in clinics or community centres, and to income-generating activities.

COOPI in Venezuela today 

Drawing upon decades of experience in complex crisis situations, while integrating a multi-sectoral approach, COOPI is responding to the ongoing severe humanitarian crisis in Venezuela with targeted interventions in Protection - including GBV and Human Trafficking Persons), Health, WASH and Livelihoods.

In Venezuela, COOPI promotes and strengthens the resilience of local communities, combining humanitarian response, rehabilitation and development. Community engagement, technical assistance and strengthening of national organisations and local communities is what characterizes COOPI approach, which aims at localising the humanitarian response to facilitate access and make interventions more sustainable.