Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) – An agreement has been reached between the governments of Colombia and Venezuela to deal with the problem of Colombian refugees in Venezuela (See Fides 30 April 2003). The two Latin American countries signed an agreement in which Colombia admits that, because of conflict within the national territory thousands of its citizens have entered Venezuela in search of safety. Venezuela for its part, admits that there is a serious humanitarian crisis in act on its border for which, with international humanitarian organisations, it assumes responsibility.
According to the Jesuit Refugee Service, however the agreement has its limits: the word refugee is never mentioned. “We at the JRS are worried because the document refers only to displaced persons, temporary protection and repatriation, it makes no mention of refugees or the right to recognition of the status of refugee.” LM (Fides Service 7/5/2003 EM lines 16 Words: 163)
