Brazil, Colombia discuss impact of Venezuelan migration on both countries

Representatives from the governments of Brazil and Colombia met this Tuesday (Feb 21) at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Relations to discuss the impact of the increased influx of Venezuelans into the two countries. According to Brazil Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes, the countries have exchanged experiences and information as to how to bolster cooperation efforts to address this “social emergency.”

“In addition to something permanent—cross-border cooperation—we're facing this emergency. It's a significant outbreak of forced migration of Venezuelans headed for our country,” the Brazilian chancellor told the press.

Nunes said that what Latin American countries wish is for Venezuela to rediscover “its path for democracy,” with the “free expression of all at the ballot box.”

According to Colombian Chancellor María Ángela Holguín, the two countries want to “keep their doors open” to help Venezuelan immigrants facing difficult circumstances. “This brings about a greater challenge for the countries. We want to provide Venezuelans with the conditions for a peaceful life in our countries,” she declared.

Brazil has been facing a complex situation as Venezuelan nationals have migrated to the North of the country, chiefly into Roraima state. Official figures from state capital Boa Vista, over 40 thousand people have come to the city from the neighboring country, which totals over 10% of the local population.

On Monday (19), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi pledged alongside President Temer to garner support from the international community to help Brazil seek an answer to the situation regarding Venezuelan immigrants for the country after a meeting at the Alvorada Palace, the president's residence.

De-mining agreement

In today's assembly, Brazil's Defense Minister Raul Jungmann and Colombia's Luis Carlos Villegas, signed an understanding memorandum aimed at helping Colombia in efforts to remove mines.

Colombia has been faced with the problem of mines in its territory for having experienced over 50 years of conflicts with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The peace agreement forged with the group was signed in 2016. The neighboring country is currently holding peace talks with another guerrilla movement, the National Liberation Army (ELN).

The document stipulates that Brazil is to deploy up to 15 military instructors from the Armed Forces for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the removal of explosive devices and mines.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira