UNHCR Chief Concludes Seven-Day Visit to Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela

CARACAS – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih concluded a seven-day official visit to Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela on Thursday, focusing on regional efforts to protect and integrate displaced people and returnees. During the mission, Salih emphasized the importance of transitioning from humanitarian aid to sustainable solutions such as education, documentation, and employment, aligning with the agency's "50 by 35" vision.

In Mexico, Salih met with Minister of the Interior Rosa Icela Rodríguez and Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, acknowledging the government's refugee protection policies and the "México Integra" integration strategy. Salih addressed the Mexican Senate, noted the signing of "The Promise" initiative by Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada, and visited companies in Aguascalientes that employ refugees.

During his stop in Peru, Salih held talks with President Keiko Fujimori regarding social inclusion, continued regional solidarity, and frameworks for the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced individuals to Venezuela. He also met with the leadership of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI) to discuss data cooperation and visited a local Protection Space and a UNHCR-supported school.

In Venezuela, discussions focused on earthquake recovery and reintegration frameworks during meetings with President Delcy Rodríguez, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs. Salih visited La Guaira to assess recovery initiatives following the June 24 earthquakes, including a UNHCR-supported Multiservice Centre, and met with returnees in Petare, Caracas, to review access to services and documentation.

According to the UNHCR, achieving long-term stability and self-reliance for displaced populations across the region will depend on ongoing political commitment, investment, and cross-sector partnerships between governments, humanitarian organizations, and the private sector.

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