UNHCR, IOM 'deeply saddened' by latest Venezuela shipwreck

Thursday’s shipwreck off the shores of Venezuela underscores the need for safe pathways.

So said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

A joint media statement on Monday said the latest loss of lives deeply saddened both organisations.

"UNHCR and IOM reiterate their readiness to lend support and technical expertise in exploring practical solutions to provide regular pathways that also take into account covid19 prevention measures," the statement said.

"UNHCR and IOM, as co-leaders of the Interagency Co-ordination Platform for refugees and migrants from Venezuela, work with at least 24 other partners and governments across the Caribbean to meet the needs of refugees and migrants in the sub-region."

The release quoted Eduardo Stein, joint special representative of UNHCR and IOM for Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants, as saying the waters of the Caribbean Sea continue to claim the lives of Venezuelans.

"As the conditions in the country continue to deteriorate – all worsened by the covid19 pandemic – people continue to undertake life-threatening journeys," he said.

Reports are a group of Venezuelans set sail on a boat from La Horqueta, Tucupita, on Thursday. The passengers were making the illegal trip to Trinidad and Tobago.

Venezuelan news outlet El Periodico Del Delta reported the 24 occupants of the boat included two boys, two and five, and two adolescents, 15 and 17. The report said one of the minors was confirmed dead.

Another news outlet, Tane Tanae, reported six bodies had been recovered and seven rescued in Venezuela as of midday on Monday.

On Sunday, a body believed to be one of the victims was found at sea in Cedros.

The others remained unaccounted for. Newsday learnt the search was ongoing on Monday.

At least 33 people drowned similarly at sea off Guiria in Venezuela trying to get to Trinidad illegally in December.

The joint statement said considering the closure of TT’s borders to prevent the spread of covid19, these journeys take place mainly through irregular routes, heightening the dangers as well as health and protection risks.

"Shipwrecks, tragic deaths at border crossings and further suffering are avoidable, but only if immediate and concerted international action is mobilised to find pragmatic solutions that put saving lives and protecting human rights at the forefront of any response," Stein said.

"The establishment of regular and safe pathways, including through humanitarian visas and family reunification, as well as the implementation of protection-sensitive entry systems and adequate reception mechanisms, can prevent the use of irregular routes, smuggling and trafficking."

UNHCR and IOM said there are over five million Venezuelan refugees and migrants worldwide, 200,000 of whom are estimated to be hosted in the Caribbean.