Venezuelan Refugees Face Funding Shortfalls and Political Normalization Narrative Despite Ongoing Crisis

Despite changes in Venezuela's political leadership, the fundamental needs driving the exodus of millions of Venezuelans remain unaddressed. International response plans, like the Plan de Respuesta para Refugiados de Venezuela, are severely underfunded, having raised only 10.2% of their target. Host countries are increasingly closing borders, influenced by a narrative of political normalization that contradicts the reality on the ground. Structural causes of displacement, such as political imprisonment and human rights violations, persist. While foreign investment and oil production have increased, these improvements have not reached the average Venezuelan household, leaving many facing food insecurity. Surveys indicate a significant portion of Venezuelans still consider leaving, with desires to return contingent on socioeconomic and political stability, job recovery, and reliable basic services. The international community faces a funding gap for humanitarian aid.

This report highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis for Venezuelan refugees, marked by severe underfunding of aid and a disconnect between perceived political normalization and persistent socioeconomic hardship.