The challenges of local integration of Venezuelan refugee women in Brazil

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the challenges of local integration of Venezuelan refugee women in Brazil. This is a study conducted using bibliographic and documentary research techniques, based on the deductive method, using historical and hermeneutical procedures. Venezuelan refugees are displaced due to the humanitarian crisis in their country. Most of the time, they leave their country due to serious and widespread human rights violations. The main form of integration for Venezuelans in Brazil is through the relocation strategy, yet the five biggest challenges they face in Brazil are: (a) income generation and self-sufficiency (55%); (b) situations that involve violence or risks in the community (42%); (c) access to housing (rent, shelters, etc.), water, sanitation, and hygiene (38%); (d) health (38%), and (e) education (35%). It must be emphasized that this problem mainly affects the female Venezuelan population (UNHCR, 2020). Furthermore, other challenges pointed out by Venezuelans, especially women, relate to economic support and social assistance, community participation, family reunification, access to documentation, food, information and communication, as well as local integration and interiorization. Aware of this reality, UNHCR, in partnership with UN –Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) –, has developed the joint program “Economic Empowerment of Refugee and Migrant Women in Brazil”, aiming to assist Venezuelan women and alleviate the situation.