The UN estimates 7.7 million people in Colombia will require humanitarian assistance during 2023 due to the effects of climate-related disasters and armed conflict, while an additional 5.4 million Venezuelans in Colombia and vulnerable host community members will require humanitarian assistance during the year, according to the Regional Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V). Amid recurring natural disasters and armed conflict, the influx of approximately 2.5 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Colombia, as well as the return of nearly 1 million Colombians from Venezuela in recent years, has strained local services and exacerbated food, health, livelihoods, 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.