December 18 marks International Migrants Day, as proclaimed by the United Nations on December 4, 2000. On this day, member states should remember their commitment to respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all migrants and the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address migrant crises. This year, we mourn the unfortunate and needless deaths of up to 25 Venezuelan migrants who drowned at sea after their boat capsized en route to Trinidad and Tobago last week.
The Venezuelan government revealed last week that the bodies of at least 25 migrants, including children, were found in the waters of the Venezuelan coastal town of Guiria. It is unknown how many people were on the boat originally. Human rights organizations estimate that approximately 40,000 migrants have fled to the nearby Trinidad and Tobago in recent years, and it is not the first time that shipwrecks claim the lives of those on board. This accident is the second recorded shipwreck of this year. In 2019, three boats carrying at least 80 people were reported missing.
Venezuelans are facing an ongoing humanitarian crisis only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. It is estimated that between 500-700 Venezuelans are fleeing the country every day, joining an approximate 5.4 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees in what is currently one of the worst migration crises in the world. In recent weeks, the number of Venezuelans fleeing the country has increased significantly as lockdown measures in the region ease. Land and maritime borders, however, remain closed, forcing migrants to embark on dangerous informal routes with heightened health and protection risks. “Urgent efforts are needed to stop smugglers and traffickers from sending people on these perilous journeys and to protect refugees and migrants from exploitation and abuse. Strengthened regular pathways are also needed so that refugees and migrants can access safety without risking their lives,” said Eduardo Stein, Joint Special Representative of UNHCR and IOM for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants.
The shipwreck came just days after UN agencies had called for greater protections for Venezuelans refugees. The UN Refugee Agency warned that Venezuelans were facing increased violence, trafficking and exploitation due to the coronavirus pandemic and irregular migration routes. On this International Migrants Day, we remember the lives lost, reaffirm our commitment to uphold the safety and dignity of migrants and refugees worldwide, and urge international organizations and world leaders to take action to prevent tragic accidents like this from continuing to take place.
Photo: @camdelafu