Venezuela Crisis Response Programme

Caritas Switzerland initiated a regional Venezuela Crisis Response (VCR) Programme in 2019, reorienting existing programmes in Brazil and Colombia towards the needs of millions of Venezuelans who fled to neighbouring countries without prospects for a return any time soon. Caritas Switzerland’s VCR Programme 2021–2025 focuses on supporting governments, national civil societies and the international community to provide humanitarian aid and socio-economic integration to Venezuelan refugees and migrants as well as vulnerable segments of the host communities. Therefore, the focus of the VCR Programme lies in the thematic fields of migration and income, while applying a nexus approach, integrating humanitarian assistance as well development programs according to needs.

The programme strives to expand operations in Venezuela with a focus on covering basic needs as long as they are aimed at migrants on the move, especially in border areas. The focus of operations within Venezuela is mainly humanitarian. Further expansion into other countries affected by the Venezuela Crisis will be investigated during the coming programme period. The programme continues its collaboration with the Caritas Network and with relevant international stakeholders, investing in relationship-building and strengthening of partners’ capacities.

Synergies between the VCR Programme countries within Caritas Switzerland are explored, aiming at strengthening the position of Caritas Switzerland in the region as well as allowing effective and innovative projects. In line with Caritas Switzerland’s strategy 2025, the VCR Programme explores possibilities for the implementation of the Graduation Approach as well as furthering cash-based interventions.

The financial goal for Caritas Switzerland’s VCR Strategy foresees continuous growth from 3 million CHF (2021) to 4.5 million CHF in 2025. In order to achieve this, a comprehensive overview of financing opportunities in the region is elaborated and a regionalised fundraising structure explored. Funding from large international donors should be upheld while broadening the donor-base. The continuation of working in consortia allows Caritas Switzerland to be eligible for and to implement large grants by international donors. Due to the volatile context and the novel character of the programme, the VCR Strategy is annually reviewed which offers opportunities to adapt the strategy to new developments.