The UN estimates 8.3 million people in Colombia require humanitarian assistance during 2024, including approximately 2.9 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees who reside in the country, according to the Regional Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V). Recurring natural disasters, internal armed conflict, the ongoing influx of Venezuelan migrants and refugees, and the return of nearly 1 million Colombians from Venezuela in recent years has strained local services in Colombia and exacerbated food, health, livelihood, nutrition, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene needs in both rural and urban areas of the country.
In response, USAID supports partners to provide humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs), conflict-affected populations, Venezuelan migrants and refugees, as well as vulnerable host community members across Colombia. USAID-funded programs aim to address acute food insecurity among Venezuelans by providing emergency food assistance, including cash transfers for food, food kits, food vouchers redeemable in local markets, and hot meals. To address the humanitarian needs of Colombian IDPs, USAID partners provide emergency food assistance, health, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene support, while also implementing activities to bolster agricultural production and livelihoods.
