UNITED NATIONS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 24th May, 2019) The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in a press release on Friday that it provided this week food and shelter to more than 3,700 Venezuelan migrants in Brazil.
"The International Organization for Migration (IOM) this week (20 May) provided food assistance to Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Brazil's south-eastern region. Supported by the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), both Caritas Brasileira and IOM implemented a food security and temporary housing project in 12 municipalities in Roraima, reaching more than 3,700 vulnerable Venezuelans," the release said.
The IOM explained that assistance is a part of Brazil's Relocation Strategy and seeks to assist Venezuelan refugees in Brazil's northern state of Roraima with shelter, accommodation and family reunification, the release.
The Brazilian government launched the Relocation Program in April 2018 and has relocated some 6,000 Venezuelans from Roraima to 17 other Brazilian states.
IOM data reveals that more than 3.7 million Venezuelans have left their country since 2015. Brazil's Federal police estimates that some 150,000 Venezuelans are currently residing in Brazil.
Venezuela has experienced crisis after US-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself interim president of the country on January 23.
The United States and 54 other countries have recognized Guaido, but Russia, China, Bolivia, Turkey and numerous other countries recognize actual President Nicolas Maduro as the only legitimate leader of Venezuela.
Maduro has called Guaido a US puppet and accused the United States of orchestrating coups to effect a government change and take over Venezuela's natural resources.
