The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced the Economic Integration Program for Vulnerable Nationals from Venezuela in Brazil. The Program includes approximately $4 million in funding, with $2 million previously unannounced. USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean John Barsa, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Carrie Filipetti, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Mission William Popp, IOM Chief of Mission in Brazil Stéphane Rostiaux, Project Opportunities Director Michelle Barron, Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator of Operation Welcome, Colonel Kanaan, and Verónica Sanchez from the Civil House were present. Following the official launch, representatives inaugurated an exhibition dedicated to the Venezuelan people and their experiences as migrants.
“Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are dealing with the effects of the man-made crisis in Venezuela. The Government of Brazil and the Brazilian people have shown their generous hospitality by assisting Venezuelans in their time of need. This USAID-funded project will support Brazil’s efforts by providing vulnerable Venezuelans with the skills needed to successfully integrate into local communities,” commented USAID Assistant Administrator Barsa on the initiative.
“Economic integration is the lasting solution for Venezuelans who wish to remain in Brazil to restart their lives independently. With the Project Opportunities, we want to promote and expand this process and facilitate this population’s access to the formal labor market and income-generating opportunities, as well as strengthen ties with the private sector,” said Stéphane Rostiaux from IOM.
This development program will focus on providing Venezuelans in Brazil access to sustainable livelihoods and job opportunities through activities such as vocational training, language training, and job placement activities, primarily in the Federal District, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina. This development funding adds to the nearly $15 million that USAID has already provided to support life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Venezuelans in Brazil.