Brazil gov't to declare social emergency in Roraima over Venezuelans
Brazil's Defense Minister Raul Jungmann announced that Brazil is declaring social emergency in the northern state of Roraima due to the high inflow of Venezuelan immigrants. The government is to issue a provisional presidential decree to address the issue this week. The announcement was made Wednesday (Feb 14).
Ministers met with president Michel Temer to discuss the situation.
Jungmann met with President Michel Temer and other ministers to discuss the situation. The Armed Forces will spearhead the federal government's efforts in Roraima, with twice as many agents—the number was boosted from 100 to 200 men—Jungmann reported.
The decree is also expected to put together a dedicated committee with officials from eight ministries, Justice Minister Torquato Jardim said.
Another measure unveiled by Jungmann was the installation of a military hospital in the state, with rooms for assistance and surgery.
Control stations will be installed in the countryside of Roraima, boosting control over Brazil's national borders with Venezuela in the town of Pacaraima.
Immigration
Jardim explained that the measures aim not to prevent Venezuelans from entering Brazil, which would violate international human rights treaties signed by the country. “[The goal is] screening so that we know who's coming and what kind of help each one of them needs. Some need medical help, some are qualified for getting a job,” he explained.
Minister Sergio Etchegoyen, head of the president's cabinet for Institutional Security, also mentioned intelligence efforts in partnership with other countries to identify and gauge migration waves and the outcome of the policies implemented. The press was not allowed in the meeting and the statements made by the ministries were released by the president's office.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Brazil gov't to declare social emergency in Roraima over Venezuelans
