Yudith left Venezuela two years ago. She lives in Colombia today, like 1.7 million of her compatriots. The young woman sells cigarettes and candies individually in Bolivar Square in central Bogota. Two days ago, Yudith learned that she would soon benefit from Temporary Protection Status (STP) which, for ten years, will allow her to work and access public services. ” I know that even with papers it will be hard to find a job. But I will regain the dignity of being legal ”, she rejoices. Holder of a degree in biology, she worked in a laboratory before emigrating.
Colombia is rarely cited as an example on the international scene. But the plan to regularize – in the midst of a pandemic – a million Venezuelan migrants earned him praise from the UN and other international bodies. President Ivan Duque presented, Monday, February 8, his migration policy as ” A model “ for the region. He was accompanied by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the Italian Filippo Grandi, who celebrated “The most important humanitarian gesture made on the Latin American continent”. The Ambassador of the European Union, Patricia Llombart, praised for her part “A united, courageous and unprecedented decision”.
According to the UN, 5.4 million Venezuelans have fled their country devastated by the crisis since 2013. They could be 6.2 million by the end of the year. Colombia, which shares a 2,219 km border with Venezuela, is the first receiving country for these migrants. The pandemic, which paralyzed economic activity, closed borders and increased unemployment, further weakened their situation.
“A humanitarian duty”
“The temporary status is aimed at a suffering population”, recalled Juan Francisco Espinosa, director of the migration service, during a press conference. “We cannot ignore what is happening on the roads of our country and in the streets of our cities where families, young people, young children walk and live, often badly dressed but with hearts full of illusions and willingness to get out ”, added the official.
“Ivan Duque’s decision is not politically profitable. It is all the less so since her party and its electorate are very right-wing ”Sandra Borda, political scientist
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