RMRP - COVID-19 Flash Update - April 2020

During the past week, partners monitored an increase in the number of spontaneous returns of Venezuelans from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Having lost (often informal) employment as a result of the COVID-19-related movement restrictions, many are now unable to afford accommodation, food and other basic needs. Unable to comply with the quarantine measures and social distancing, an increasing number of Venezuelans is left with no alternative but to consider returning to Venezuela. R4V partners have expressed concern about continued movements, including returns to Venezuela, also because of the risk of an increased spread of COVID-19, and increased exposure of refugees and migrants to exploitation and abuse by smugglers and traffickers.