UNHCR High Commissioner visits Venezuela to aid earthquake recovery

UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih has arrived in Venezuela for a working visit to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. The seismic events, which included magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, resulted in more than 6,000 deaths.

During his visit, Salih is scheduled to meet with local authorities, humanitarian organizations, and affected communities, including families who have returned to their homes and those residing in temporary shelters. The mission aims to reinforce protection efforts and advance toward durable solutions for those displaced or impacted by the disaster.

Following discussions in New York between Salih and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia, the visit focuses on enhancing collaboration between the National Commission for Refugees (CONARE) and UNHCR. The organization continues to mobilize resources to support reconstruction, facilitate the return of citizens to their communities, and ensure access to safe housing.