Over a thousand food deliverymen on motorcycles gathered in São Paulo on Wednesday (July 01) to protest their work conditions, set by Uber and other apps, with their services in high demand due to coronavirus lockdowns.

'At the mercy of their own luck' - Brazilian app delivery drivers protest working conditions

In the bustling kitchen of one of Bogota's trendiest restaurants, a team of chefs that usually caters to the Colombian capital's well-heeled citizens is preparing meals for a community of people cut off from work and housing during the Andean country's coronavirus quarantine.

For Colombia's quarantined poor, lunch is served - by trendy restaurants

Family members of newborns in the unit at Kennedy Hospital are speaking to their babies via hundreds of video calls organized by staff.

Video calls connect mothers and newborns separated by coronavirus in Colombia

A cafe styled as "Britain's smallest coffee shop" has reopened after 10 weeks of lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak.

'Britain's smallest coffee shop' reopens as lockdown eases

The desire to study and help her family led Alisson Goez, an eight-year-old girl from rural Medellin in Colombia, to sell her drawings to buy a computer to attend virtual classes from home during the coronavirus quarantine

Colombian girl sells art to buy computer for home studies

It is not a bird, a plane or Superman: the aircraft humming in the skies above Colombia's capital Bogota are instead police drones that are meant to detect people with high temperatures or those violating the country's coronavirus quarantine.

Colombian police use drones to detect high body temperatures

Boisterous mariachi music usually heard at family celebrations and birthday parties has burst out into the open on the empty streets of Colombia's capital, Bogota. Surprised residents often record the serenades on their cell phones and some sing along.

Mariachis delight quarantined Colombians with joyous street music

Maria Cecilia Osorio and Alfonso Ardila met just a month ago, in a shelter for people made homeless during Colombia's nationwide coronavirus lockdown. The pair now share space in a tent at the shelter and are looking ahead to the end of quarantine, scheduled for May 11.

The bridesmaids wore masks: Colombian couple meets, marries in coronavirus shelter

Graduation ceremonies in Colombia have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, but students at one university were able to attend remotely with the help of a robot.

Robot replaces Colombian students at graduation amid coronavirus pandemic

An emaciated lion in Colombia was transported on Thursday (February 27) to be closer to its 'mother' in a bid to save his life. Jupiter was rescued at a young age from a circus after a life of abuse. Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after video of him hugging his carer Ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Malnourished lion returns to woman who rescued him from circus abuse

Lion Jupiter, whose video went viral in 2011 after he recognised his carer is again in the spotlight in Colombia.

The lion that was saved from abuse in a circus is now so weak it can no longer stand after losing more than half its body weight in a zoo.

In a bid to save Jupiter's life, an emaciated lion in Colombia is transported to an area closer to Ana Julia, who rescued Jupiter at a young age from the circus abuse.

"This animal should never have left, nor been mistreated," said Cali's mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina.

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He will now receive treatment in Cali zoo, where vets will work around the clock to get Jupiter back to full health while Torres will provide a mother's love as he recovers.

In 2019, officials removed Jupiter from Torres' care over her reported lack of documentation to keep the lion.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the attorney general's office and police have opened an animal cruelty enquiry.

"This love that he and I have for each other will save him," said Torres.

Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after a video of him hugging his carer ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Lion Jupiter, whose video went viral in 2011 after he recognised his carer is again in the spotlight in Colombia. The lion that was saved from abuse in a circus is now so weak it can no longer stand after losing more than half its body weight in a zoo.

Lion Jupiter, whose video went viral in 2011 after he recognised his carer is again in the spotlight in Colombia. The lion that was saved from abuse in a circus is now so weak it can no longer stand after losing more than half its body weight in a zoo. In a bid to save Jupiter's life, an emaciated lion in Colombia is transported to an area closer to Ana Julia, who rescued Jupiter at a young age from the circus abuse. "This animal should never have left, nor been mistreated," said Cali's mayor Jorge Ivan Ospina. He will now receive treatment in Cali zoo, where vets will work around the clock to get Jupiter back to full health while Torres will provide a mother's love as he recovers. In 2019, officials removed Jupiter from Torres' care over her reported lack of documentation to keep the lion. × Meanwhile, the attorney general's office and police have opened an animal cruelty enquiry. "This love that he and I have for each other will save him," said Torres. Following his rescue, Jupiter was dubbed the 'kissing lion' after a video of him hugging his carer ana Julia Torres went viral in 2011.

Watch: Malnourished lion Jupiter to come back to his human 'mother' in Colombia

Colombia will seek to double its flower exports to $3 billion per year in the next decade by growing new species and expanding to markets in Asia and Latin America, President Ivan Duque said on Tuesday (February 11).

Colombia will seek to double flower exports to $3 bln by 2030

Colombia hopes this year to eradicate 130,000 hectares (321,237 acres) of coca, the base ingredient in cocaine, Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo said on Monday (February 10).

Colombia aims to eradicate 130,000 hectares of coca in 2020

Colombia, a top source of coca, the base ingredient in cocaine, eradicated more than 100,000 hectares (247,000 acres) of the crop last year, President Ivan Duque said on Thursday (January 9).

Colombia eradicates record amount of coca fields last year

The annual and vibrant Black and White carnival, which has its origins in a mix of Andean, Amazonian and Pacific cultural expressions, took place on Sunday (January 5) and Monday (January 6) in the southwestern Colombian city of Pasto.

Colombia celebrates colourful Black and White carnival

Colombian artists banded together in Medellin on Sunday for a concert to rally protesters calling for socio-economic change in the country. #WION #Colombia #Colombiaprotest

Colombian artists band with protesters in call for change

Colombian unions, student groups and other protesters converged outside the country's Congress on Monday (December 16) against rumoured economic reform plans that critics argue give businesses too many tax breaks.

National strike converges on Colombia's Congress amidst outrage over tax reform

Colombia joined the global wave of unrest, over 18 days of continuous protests.

Colombia joined the global wave of unrest

Thousands of protesters took part in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-meet-with-protest-leaders-colombian-government-265835">anti-government demonstrations in&nbsp;Colombia's</a> capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's&nbsp;third&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in two weeks.

Strike&nbsp;leaders say they intend to maintain&nbsp;pressure&nbsp;on&nbsp;right-wing President Ivan&nbsp;Duque's government, after brushing aside his appeals to cancel the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;the grounds its effects were crippling the economy.

But crowds were smaller than previous demonstrations as protests took place for a 14th consecutive day.

Some roads were blocked in the capital and in the northeastern city of Cali, but many businesses remained open.

Around 250,000 people took part in the first demonstration against&nbsp;Duque's 15-month-old government&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 21, when the initial&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;brought the country to a standstill.

Watch: Talks between Colombia strike committee, government end in deadlock

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"The Colombian people have woken up!" shouted Paola Jiminez, a 41-year-old lawyer taking part in a pot-banging "cacerolazo" demonstration in Bogota.

"Colombians are finding it more and more difficult financially," she said.

A student taking part in one of several peaceful protests in Bogota, who gave his name as Nicolas, held up a banner saying: "The state lies more than my ex."

Police were deployed in nearby streets, but there were no confrontations of the kind that have marred <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-in-colombia-spark-backlash-against-venezuelan-migrants-265637">some protests</a> over the last two weeks, during which four people died. Some 500 have been injured.

On&nbsp;Tuesday, the Colombian National&nbsp;Strike&nbsp;Committee,&nbsp;comprising unions, students and teacher organisations, indigenous groups and the opposition, met directly with&nbsp;Duque's advisors for the first time but reached no agreement.&nbsp;

Another meeting was scheduled for Thursday.

Under fire for his economic policies and corruption in the country,&nbsp;Duque&nbsp;launched a national dialogue with mayors and other officials 10 days ago.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;committee has presented&nbsp;Duque&nbsp;with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas.

Among them is a call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticised for its heavy-handed response to protesters.

Duque&nbsp;has yielded to some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-strikers-expand-demands-include-possible-talks-with-rebels-265296">demands&nbsp;on&nbsp;tax reform</a>, announcing the return of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people

Thousands of protesters took part in anti-government demonstrations in Colombia's capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's third general strike in two weeks.

Thousands of protesters took part in anti-government demonstrations in Colombia's capital Bogota and other cities Wednesday during the country's third general strike in two weeks. Strike leaders say they intend to maintain pressure on right-wing President Ivan Duque's government, after brushing aside his appeals to cancel the strike on the grounds its effects were crippling the economy. But crowds were smaller than previous demonstrations as protests took place for a 14th consecutive day. Some roads were blocked in the capital and in the northeastern city of Cali, but many businesses remained open. Around 250,000 people took part in the first demonstration against Duque's 15-month-old government on November 21, when the initial general strike brought the country to a standstill. Watch: Talks between Colombia strike committee, government end in deadlock "The Colombian people have woken up!" shouted Paola Jiminez, a 41-year-old lawyer taking part in a pot-banging "cacerolazo" demonstration in Bogota. "Colombians are finding it more and more difficult financially," she said. A student taking part in one of several peaceful protests in Bogota, who gave his name as Nicolas, held up a banner saying: "The state lies more than my ex." Police were deployed in nearby streets, but there were no confrontations of the kind that have marred some protests over the last two weeks, during which four people died. Some 500 have been injured. On Tuesday, the Colombian National Strike Committee, comprising unions, students and teacher organisations, indigenous groups and the opposition, met directly with Duque's advisors for the first time but reached no agreement. Another meeting was scheduled for Thursday. Under fire for his economic policies and corruption in the country, Duque launched a national dialogue with mayors and other officials 10 days ago. The strike committee has presented Duque with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas. Among them is a call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, widely criticised for its heavy-handed response to protesters. Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the return of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people

Colombia: Third general strike keeps pressure on Duque

Colombian unions and student groups marked a third national strike on Wednesday (December 4) with marches, chants and dancing, ahead of additional dialog between protest leaders and the government over President Ivan Duque's social and economic policies.

Ten of thousands of protesters mark third national strike in Colombia

Talks between the Colombian government and the unions and student organizations that are planning major protests this week ended without advances on Tuesday (December 03), as the country prepares for its third national strike since late November.

Talks between Colombia strike committee, government end in deadlock

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-in-colombia-spark-backlash-against-venezuelan-migrants-265637">The Colombian government</a> said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday.

The protests, which are entering their 12th consecutive day, have drawn anywhere from hundreds to several thousand people who often bang pots and pans as they demand right-wing president Ivan Duque change his policies.

"We are ready to meet with them this afternoon or tomorrow to discuss" their complaints, Diego Molano, a senior official in Duque's government-appointed to lead the government's negotiations, told reporters.

The National Strike Committee,&nbsp;which groups unions, students, university lecturers and indigenous groups,&nbsp;had in an open letter called on Friday for an "inclusive, democratic and effective dialogue," while also vowing to continue protesting Duque's announcement of a "national dialogue" earlier last week.

Molano asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-strikers-expand-demands-include-possible-talks-with-rebels-265296">protest leaders</a> to cancel plans for a December 4 demonstration in an attempt to reduce the protests' effects on pre-Christmas commercial activity.

"We tell the National Strike Committee that President Duque's government is fully prepared to engage in dialogue, without an ultimatum, without pressure, for the good of&nbsp;Colombia," he said.

Protest organisers have yet to respond to his demand.

The committee has called for two other national demonstrations since the November 21 launch of Duque's national dialogue, while not associating itself with the smaller daily demonstrations in major cities Bogota, Medellin or Cali.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-protest-leaders-push-duque-on-dialogue-265184">Strike leaders</a> had previously met with Duque's government on November 26, where they presented the president with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas.

But perhaps the most controversial is the call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, after the death last week of 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz, who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister.

Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people.

Colombia&nbsp;is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and also one of the most socially unequal countries on the continent.

The Colombian government said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday.

The Colombian government said Monday it is prepared to meet with leaders of the anti-government protest movement but asked they cancel a national demonstration scheduled for Wednesday. The protests, which are entering their 12th consecutive day, have drawn anywhere from hundreds to several thousand people who often bang pots and pans as they demand right-wing president Ivan Duque change his policies. "We are ready to meet with them this afternoon or tomorrow to discuss" their complaints, Diego Molano, a senior official in Duque's government-appointed to lead the government's negotiations, told reporters. The National Strike Committee, which groups unions, students, university lecturers and indigenous groups, had in an open letter called on Friday for an "inclusive, democratic and effective dialogue," while also vowing to continue protesting Duque's announcement of a "national dialogue" earlier last week. Molano asked protest leaders to cancel plans for a December 4 demonstration in an attempt to reduce the protests' effects on pre-Christmas commercial activity. "We tell the National Strike Committee that President Duque's government is fully prepared to engage in dialogue, without an ultimatum, without pressure, for the good of Colombia," he said. Protest organisers have yet to respond to his demand. The committee has called for two other national demonstrations since the November 21 launch of Duque's national dialogue, while not associating itself with the smaller daily demonstrations in major cities Bogota, Medellin or Cali. Strike leaders had previously met with Duque's government on November 26, where they presented the president with a list of 13 demands, including the withdrawal of his proposed tax reforms, and full compliance with the 2016 peace deal with FARC guerrillas. But perhaps the most controversial is the call to dismantle the feared ESMAD riot police, after the death last week of 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz, who was hit in the head by a tear gas canister. Duque has yielded to some of the demands on tax reform, announcing the refund of Value Added Tax to the poorest 20 per cent of the population and benefits for companies that hire young people. Colombia is the fourth-largest economy in Latin America and also one of the most socially unequal countries on the continent.

'Ready to meet' with protest leaders: Colombian government

Daniels Herrera kept quiet on his long walk home from work following violent&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-strikers-expand-demands-include-possible-talks-with-rebels-265296">Colombian capital Bogota last week</a>, fearful his&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;accent would give him away.

The 26-year-old had arrived in the sprawling city high in the Andes almost two years ago, one of more than a million&nbsp;Venezuelans who have fled crime and an economic meltdown at home to seek refuge in&nbsp;Colombia.

Herrera never expected to feel more unsafe here than in Venezuela, which has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world, but that changed when violence erupted in Bogota during a nationwide strike and authorities imposed a citywide curfew.

Transport came to a standstill, forcing Herrera and two&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;colleagues to walk almost 20 km&nbsp;to reach their homes in southern Bogota.

As they walked, they heard the muttering among other frustrated commuters about&nbsp;Venezuelans ruining the country.

"It was really frightening. We decided not to speak," said the young cook, who works at a fast-food restaurant in a Bogota shopping mall.

Non-governmental organizations and researchers say rumours blaming&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;for isolated looting and vandalism connected to the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;have caused a sharp rise in xenophobia over the last 10 days.

Posts on social media and messages forwarded on messaging application WhatsApp - many mentioning&nbsp;Venezuelans - stoked panic among Bogota residents on the night of the curfew, as the city's emergency line was inundated with calls reporting residential break-ins that police say never happened.

Backlash in other countries

More than 4 million&nbsp;Venezuelans have left their country in recent years, fleeing severe food and medicine shortages and hyperinflation. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-protest-leaders-push-duque-on-dialogue-265184">Nearly 1.5 million</a> have settled in neighbouring&nbsp;Colombia, many arriving with scant resources.

"There has been an increase in xenophobia in recent days," said Ronald Rodriguez, director of the Observatory on Venezuela at Rosario University in Bogota.

"These (rumours) happened in my apartment building too. I was able to speak to at least 50 neighbours that evening and every one of them, without exception, accused those with&nbsp;Venezuelan&nbsp;nationality," said Rodriguez.

A mass deportation on Monday of 59&nbsp;Venezuelans who&nbsp;Colombia's migration agency said were involved in vandalism during the marches only helped fuel prejudice, Rodriguez said.

"This action led people to believe it was&nbsp;Venezuelans who caused all the problems," he said.

Neither the rumours nor the deportations are unique to&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;as the exodus of&nbsp;Venezuelans stirs tensions in neighbouring countries from Brazil to Chile.

In June, Peru flew home hundreds of&nbsp;Venezuelans with criminal records amid allegations that&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;were responsible for a rise in crime. Peru's interior minister warned&nbsp;against&nbsp;xenophobia in September after false rumours spread on social media alleging&nbsp;Venezuelans were trying to kidnap children.

Unlike its neighbours,&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;to register with authorities so they can access social services. For decades, Venezuela provided shelter to&nbsp;Colombians fleeing their country's civil conflict.

In response to questions about the deportations,&nbsp;Colombia's migration agency shared a press release saying the "bad behaviour of a few is creating an outbreak of xenophobia, damaging the image of their fellow countrymen."

Dihabal, 28, an undocumented migrant who asked his surname not be used, shares a small, squalid room in Bogota with his brother.

He says many&nbsp;Colombians, hearing their accents or assuming because of their clothes that they are&nbsp;migrants, have called them "venecos" - a derogatory term for&nbsp;Venezuelans.&nbsp;

"For a couple of bad people, we all pay," he said.&nbsp;

Daniels Herrera kept quiet on his long walk home from work following violent protests in the Colombian capital Bogota last week, fearful his Venezuelan accent would give him away.

Daniels Herrera kept quiet on his long walk home from work following violent protests in the Colombian capital Bogota last week, fearful his Venezuelan accent would give him away. The 26-year-old had arrived in the sprawling city high in the Andes almost two years ago, one of more than a million Venezuelans who have fled crime and an economic meltdown at home to seek refuge in Colombia. Herrera never expected to feel more unsafe here than in Venezuela, which has one of the highest rates of violent crime in the world, but that changed when violence erupted in Bogota during a nationwide strike and authorities imposed a citywide curfew. Transport came to a standstill, forcing Herrera and two Venezuelan colleagues to walk almost 20 km to reach their homes in southern Bogota. As they walked, they heard the muttering among other frustrated commuters about Venezuelans ruining the country. "It was really frightening. We decided not to speak," said the young cook, who works at a fast-food restaurant in a Bogota shopping mall. Non-governmental organizations and researchers say rumours blaming Venezuelan migrants for isolated looting and vandalism connected to the protests have caused a sharp rise in xenophobia over the last 10 days. Posts on social media and messages forwarded on messaging application WhatsApp - many mentioning Venezuelans - stoked panic among Bogota residents on the night of the curfew, as the city's emergency line was inundated with calls reporting residential break-ins that police say never happened. Backlash in other countries More than 4 million Venezuelans have left their country in recent years, fleeing severe food and medicine shortages and hyperinflation. Nearly 1.5 million have settled in neighbouring Colombia, many arriving with scant resources. "There has been an increase in xenophobia in recent days," said Ronald Rodriguez, director of the Observatory on Venezuela at Rosario University in Bogota. "These (rumours) happened in my apartment building too. I was able to speak to at least 50 neighbours that evening and every one of them, without exception, accused those with Venezuelan nationality," said Rodriguez. A mass deportation on Monday of 59 Venezuelans who Colombia's migration agency said were involved in vandalism during the marches only helped fuel prejudice, Rodriguez said. "This action led people to believe it was Venezuelans who caused all the problems," he said. Neither the rumours nor the deportations are unique to Colombia as the exodus of Venezuelans stirs tensions in neighbouring countries from Brazil to Chile. In June, Peru flew home hundreds of Venezuelans with criminal records amid allegations that migrants were responsible for a rise in crime. Peru's interior minister warned against xenophobia in September after false rumours spread on social media alleging Venezuelans were trying to kidnap children. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants to register with authorities so they can access social services. For decades, Venezuela provided shelter to Colombians fleeing their country's civil conflict. In response to questions about the deportations, Colombia's migration agency shared a press release saying the "bad behaviour of a few is creating an outbreak of xenophobia, damaging the image of their fellow countrymen." Dihabal, 28, an undocumented migrant who asked his surname not be used, shares a small, squalid room in Bogota with his brother. He says many Colombians, hearing their accents or assuming because of their clothes that they are migrants, have called them "venecos" - a derogatory term for Venezuelans. "For a couple of bad people, we all pay," he said.

Protests in Colombia spark backlash against Venezuelan migrants

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second&nbsp;national&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in less than a week&nbsp;on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and&nbsp;protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-colombia-protest-against-policies-of-president-ivan-duque-263769">series of&nbsp;protests</a>&nbsp;began last&nbsp;week&nbsp;with a 250,000-person march and a nationwide&nbsp;strike.

Demonstrators are rallying against economic plans - like a rise in the pension age and a cut to the minimum wage for young people - that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-president-ivan-duque-to-meet-protest-leaders-264602">President Ivan Duque</a> denies supporting, as well what they say is a lack of government action to stop corruption and the murder of hundreds of human rights activists.

Marches have attracted thousands of peaceful demonstrators, but Thursday and Friday were also marked by the destruction of mass transit stations, curfews in Cali and Bogota and the deaths of three people in connection with alleged looting.

Saturday's marches took a dark turn when 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz was fatally injured by a tear gas canister fired by the ESMAD riot police.

Cruz died on Monday and has become a symbol for protesters, who allege the ESMAD are using excessive force in their crowd dispersion efforts.

The&nbsp;National&nbsp;Strike&nbsp;Committee, comprised of major unions and student organizations, is demanding the government dissolve the force and "purify" the police.

Talks between the committee and the government have stalled amid union demands Duque meet with them without the presence of business leaders or other groups.

The committee has also demanded a rejection of the government's tax reform proposal, which includes a cut in business duties.

Duque announced several changes to the proposal this&nbsp;week&nbsp;at the cost of some $930 million - including the return of value-added tax to the poorest 20 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Colombians and lower contributions to healthcare by minimum wage pensioners.

Meanwhile, his promise to hold a social issues-focused&nbsp;national&nbsp;dialogue through March has sparked derision among marchers and opposition politicians, who see it as a tepid response to growing discontent.

Duque's administration has been plagued by problems during his nearly 16 months in office, including a combative congress, low approval ratings and unsuccessful legislative efforts.

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second national strike in less than a week on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence.

Colombian unions and student groups will hold their second national strike in less than a week on Wednesday in honour of a dead demonstrator and protest rumoured government economic plans, corruption and police violence. The series of protests began last week with a 250,000-person march and a nationwide strike. Demonstrators are rallying against economic plans - like a rise in the pension age and a cut to the minimum wage for young people - that President Ivan Duque denies supporting, as well what they say is a lack of government action to stop corruption and the murder of hundreds of human rights activists. Marches have attracted thousands of peaceful demonstrators, but Thursday and Friday were also marked by the destruction of mass transit stations, curfews in Cali and Bogota and the deaths of three people in connection with alleged looting. Saturday's marches took a dark turn when 18-year-old protester Dilan Cruz was fatally injured by a tear gas canister fired by the ESMAD riot police. Cruz died on Monday and has become a symbol for protesters, who allege the ESMAD are using excessive force in their crowd dispersion efforts. The National Strike Committee, comprised of major unions and student organizations, is demanding the government dissolve the force and "purify" the police. Talks between the committee and the government have stalled amid union demands Duque meet with them without the presence of business leaders or other groups. The committee has also demanded a rejection of the government's tax reform proposal, which includes a cut in business duties. Duque announced several changes to the proposal this week at the cost of some $930 million - including the return of value-added tax to the poorest 20 per cent of Colombians and lower contributions to healthcare by minimum wage pensioners. Meanwhile, his promise to hold a social issues-focused national dialogue through March has sparked derision among marchers and opposition politicians, who see it as a tepid response to growing discontent. Duque's administration has been plagued by problems during his nearly 16 months in office, including a combative congress, low approval ratings and unsuccessful legislative efforts.

Colombia holds another national strike as week of protests rolls on

Colombia&nbsp;said Monday it is expelling&nbsp;59&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;for taking&nbsp;part&nbsp;in street&nbsp;protests, as conservative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-colombia-protest-against-policies-of-president-ivan-duque-263769">President Ivan Duque</a> gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government&nbsp;protests.

Demonstrators planned another big march on Monday despite Duque's launch of a national dialogue on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes.

The&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said.

Since last Thursday&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;has been hit by unprecedented mass&nbsp;protests&nbsp;against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth.&nbsp;

They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal&nbsp;with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many Colombians.

Fleeing Venezuela

Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown</a>.

Christian Kruger, the director of&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;Migration, said the country had welcomed the&nbsp;59&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;now due for expulsion as it did so many people from their beleaguered country.

"But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement.

He said the actions of these&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking&nbsp;Venezuelans.

Kruger told reporters later that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern&nbsp;Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return.

"While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people&nbsp;who&nbsp;are in those marches," he said.

Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday 29&nbsp;Venezuelans&nbsp;were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order.

Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked entry to the country of a Chilean and a Venezuelan&nbsp;who, according to "intelligence information" had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country.

Duque&nbsp;took&nbsp;part&nbsp;Sunday in the launch of a national dialogue with mayors and other government officials to address the grievances of the protesters,&nbsp;who&nbsp;were not represented in that initial session.

The 43-year-old president had warned on the eve of a general strike and massive protest last Thursday, that&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;was at risk of the same social convulsions which had shaken Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile in recent weeks.

People marched again Sunday and another big procession has been called for Monday by a major trade union.

Colombia said Monday it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests, as conservative President Ivan Duque gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government protests.

Colombia said Monday it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests, as conservative President Ivan Duque gathered with business and labour leaders in a bid to quell violent anti-government protests. Demonstrators planned another big march on Monday despite Duque's launch of a national dialogue on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes. The Venezuelans have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said. Since last Thursday Colombia has been hit by unprecedented mass protests against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth. They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many Colombians. Fleeing Venezuela Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown. Christian Kruger, the director of Colombia Migration, said the country had welcomed the 59 Venezuelans now due for expulsion as it did so many people from their beleaguered country. "But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement. He said the actions of these Venezuelans triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking Venezuelans. Kruger told reporters later that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return. "While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people who are in those marches," he said. Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday 29 Venezuelans were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order. Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked entry to the country of a Chilean and a Venezuelan who, according to "intelligence information" had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country. Duque took part Sunday in the launch of a national dialogue with mayors and other government officials to address the grievances of the protesters, who were not represented in that initial session. The 43-year-old president had warned on the eve of a general strike and massive protest last Thursday, that Colombia was at risk of the same social convulsions which had shaken Ecuador, Bolivia and Chile in recent weeks. People marched again Sunday and another big procession has been called for Monday by a major trade union.

Colombia expels 59 Venezuelans who participated in protests

Under-fire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-expels-59-venezuelans-who-participated-in-protests-264501">Colombian President</a> Ivan Duque will meet with protest leaders on Tuesday, a minister announced, after five consecutive days of anti-government protests.

"Tomorrow, the president will meet with representatives of the national strike," said labour minister Alicia Arango on Monday at the Casa Narino presidential palace in Bogota.

The meeting with the National Strike Committee,&nbsp;which brings together unions, indigenous people, students and opposition parties,&nbsp;will form part of the national dialogue Duque launched on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes.

The protests have left four dead,&nbsp;including a young man who died Monday evening after being wounded over the weekend,&nbsp;and some 500 people injured.

Despite having previously called for a national conversation with all sectors, Duque initially did not invite protest leaders to the talks.

"Citizen impatience is great, citizen demand is great... but it is also very important to understand that governments cannot make promises, nor do governments have magic wands with which miraculous and immediate solutions are produced," Duque said Monday.

Since last Thursday Colombia has been hit by unprecedented mass protests against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth.&nbsp;

They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal&nbsp;with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many.

More marches

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-in-colombia-protest-against-policies-of-president-ivan-duque-263769">Thousands of Colombians</a> took to the streets Monday to participate in a protest organised by the powerful Central Union of Workers, which coincided with the march for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

On Monday evening, a Bogota hospital announced that Dilan Cruz, a young demonstrator who had been injured Saturday by law enforcement, had died.

Duque shared his condolences for Cruz's family after the announcement, tweeting, "We deeply regret the death of the young Dilan Cruz."

Cruz's death sparked another round of marches, as people expressed solidarity in several Bogota neighbourhoods by banging pots and pans. Protest organizers have called for the marches to continue on Tuesday.

Cruz is the fourth death in the protests, which have also seen 172 arrested and 61 foreigners expelled for participating in acts of vandalism, most of them Venezuelans.

Earlier Monday, Colombia said it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests.

The Venezuelans have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said.

Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown.

Fleeing Venezuela

Christian Kruger, the director of Colombia Migration, said the country had welcomed the 59 Venezuelans <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">now due for expulsion</a> as it did so many people from their beleaguered country.

"But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement.

He said their actions triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking Venezuelans.

Kruger told reporters that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return.

"While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people who are in those marches," he said.

Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday, 29 Venezuelans were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order.

Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked the entry of a Chilean and a Venezuelan who, according to "intelligence information", had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country.

Under-fire Colombian President Ivan Duque will meet with protest leaders on Tuesday, a minister announced, after five consecutive days of anti-government protests.

Under-fire Colombian President Ivan Duque will meet with protest leaders on Tuesday, a minister announced, after five consecutive days of anti-government protests. "Tomorrow, the president will meet with representatives of the national strike," said labour minister Alicia Arango on Monday at the Casa Narino presidential palace in Bogota. The meeting with the National Strike Committee, which brings together unions, indigenous people, students and opposition parties, will form part of the national dialogue Duque launched on Sunday to address corruption, economic inequality and other woes. The protests have left four dead, including a young man who died Monday evening after being wounded over the weekend, and some 500 people injured. Despite having previously called for a national conversation with all sectors, Duque initially did not invite protest leaders to the talks. "Citizen impatience is great, citizen demand is great... but it is also very important to understand that governments cannot make promises, nor do governments have magic wands with which miraculous and immediate solutions are produced," Duque said Monday. Since last Thursday Colombia has been hit by unprecedented mass protests against the unpopular Duque, thus joining a wave of grassroots anger that, for different reasons, has swept through Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia. Colombians want Duque to fight harder against corruption, improve public education and provide for more equitable economic growth. They are also concerned about the management of a 2016 peace deal with leftist FARC rebels, which is unpopular with many. More marches Thousands of Colombians took to the streets Monday to participate in a protest organised by the powerful Central Union of Workers, which coincided with the march for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On Monday evening, a Bogota hospital announced that Dilan Cruz, a young demonstrator who had been injured Saturday by law enforcement, had died. Duque shared his condolences for Cruz's family after the announcement, tweeting, "We deeply regret the death of the young Dilan Cruz." Cruz's death sparked another round of marches, as people expressed solidarity in several Bogota neighbourhoods by banging pots and pans. Protest organizers have called for the marches to continue on Tuesday. Cruz is the fourth death in the protests, which have also seen 172 arrested and 61 foreigners expelled for participating in acts of vandalism, most of them Venezuelans. Earlier Monday, Colombia said it is expelling 59 Venezuelans for taking part in street protests. The Venezuelans have been classified as a threat to public order and national security, the government’s migration agency said. Duque's administration also has to deal with hosting 1.4 million refugees fleeing neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown. Fleeing Venezuela Christian Kruger, the director of Colombia Migration, said the country had welcomed the 59 Venezuelans now due for expulsion as it did so many people from their beleaguered country. "But we will not tolerate a group of misfits coming to threaten the safety of our streets," Kruger said in a statement. He said their actions triggers "outbreaks of xenophobia" that hurts the reputation of good hardworking Venezuelans. Kruger told reporters that they would be handed over to Venezuelan authorities at a remote border crossing in southwestern Colombia, San Fernando de Atabapo, in order to "make it difficult for them" to return. "While it's true that foreigners can march, what they cannot do is affect public order and generate vandalism by putting public and private goods at risk as well as the integrity of the people who are in those marches," he said. Police had earlier reported that during a night of curfew on Friday, 29 Venezuelans were arrested in Bogota and Cali for violating that order. Colombian immigration authorities said they had blocked the entry of a Chilean and a Venezuelan who, according to "intelligence information", had posed a threat to the "tranquillity and security" of the country.

Colombia: President Ivan Duque to meet protest leaders

Thousands of protestors defy curfew as anti-government rallies continue in Colombia

Tens of&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing&nbsp;government.

There were reports of clashes and arrests as trade unions, students, opposition parties and the South American country's indigenous organisations challenged the full gamut of Duque's economic, social and security policies.

"It is an accumulation of situations that we hope to see reviewed after today, including a great national dialogue of conciliation," Robert Gomez, president of the main workers' union, told AFP.

The&nbsp;protest&nbsp;comes amid social upheaval across South America, as a wave of unrest over the past two months has battered governments in Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador.

The popularity of Duque's right-wing&nbsp;government, a key US ally, has been on the wane since his election 18 months ago, as it deals with hosting 1.4 million refugees from neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown as well as the complex fallout of a 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels and rampant drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Troops deployed

Troops were deployed in the capital and other cities to protect "strategic facilities," authorities said.

The Colombian office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the deployment, saying states must limit the use of military forces "for the control of internal disturbances."

Spokesmen for several organizations backing the protests said more than one million people had marched nationwide, while Interior Minister Nancy Patricia Gutierrez counted some 207,000 protesters by the middle of the afternoon.

While authorities said the protests were largely peaceful, eight people were arrested in various cities, the interior&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;said.

Isolated clashes in Bogota and the western city of Cali injured seven protesters and 28 policemen. Blocked roads in some areas snarled transportation, and the mayor of Cali declared a curfew from 7:00 pm.

The&nbsp;general&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was widely followed in big cities like Bucaramanga in the northeast and Medellin in the northwest, along with Bogota where riot police used stun grenades to turn back&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of students walking towards the international airport, an AFP journalist said.

Several separate marches converged on Bolivar Square, the historic centre of the capital close to the presidency.

"We are marching because in&nbsp;Colombia&nbsp;we are tired of corruption, of impunity, that the&nbsp;government&nbsp;does nothing for the poor," Olga Canon, 55, told AFP.

By the end of the afternoon, most of the protesters had dispersed though some activists called for continued mobilization.

Organizations that participated in the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;take issue with Duque's security policy as well as attempts to introduce a more flexible labour market, weaken public pension funds and raise the retirement age.

Students are demanding more funding for education, while indigenous communities insist on greater protection in remote areas where 134 activists have been killed since Duque came to power in August 2018.

'Afraid to march'

"We are very afraid to march in the streets but we do it anyway because the state is spreading so much fear with its militarization and by closing the borders," political science student Valentina Gaitan, 21, told AFP.&nbsp;

Duque admitted some of the criticisms were legitimate in a televised speech on the eve of the&nbsp;strike but said the campaign against his&nbsp;government&nbsp;was based on lies seeking to provoke violence.

"We recognize the value of peaceful protests, but also guarantee order," he said.

The borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela were closed until Friday to avoid any threat to "public order and security," authorities said.

Political analyst Jason&nbsp;Marczak said the outrage against the&nbsp;government, the target of several demonstrations in recent months, is part of a "considerable&nbsp;demonstration&nbsp;of discontent in the region."

"The unsatisfied claims and deep polarisation are the basis for this massive event," said Marczak, of the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a general strike to protest the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government.

Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets of the capital Bogota on Thursday amid a general strike to protest the policies of President Ivan Duque's right-wing government. There were reports of clashes and arrests as trade unions, students, opposition parties and the South American country's indigenous organisations challenged the full gamut of Duque's economic, social and security policies. "It is an accumulation of situations that we hope to see reviewed after today, including a great national dialogue of conciliation," Robert Gomez, president of the main workers' union, told AFP. The protest comes amid social upheaval across South America, as a wave of unrest over the past two months has battered governments in Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. The popularity of Duque's right-wing government, a key US ally, has been on the wane since his election 18 months ago, as it deals with hosting 1.4 million refugees from neighbouring Venezuela's economic meltdown as well as the complex fallout of a 2016 peace deal with FARC rebels and rampant drug trafficking. Troops deployed Troops were deployed in the capital and other cities to protect "strategic facilities," authorities said. The Colombian office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern over the deployment, saying states must limit the use of military forces "for the control of internal disturbances." Spokesmen for several organizations backing the protests said more than one million people had marched nationwide, while Interior Minister Nancy Patricia Gutierrez counted some 207,000 protesters by the middle of the afternoon. While authorities said the protests were largely peaceful, eight people were arrested in various cities, the interior ministry said. Isolated clashes in Bogota and the western city of Cali injured seven protesters and 28 policemen. Blocked roads in some areas snarled transportation, and the mayor of Cali declared a curfew from 7:00 pm. The general strike was widely followed in big cities like Bucaramanga in the northeast and Medellin in the northwest, along with Bogota where riot police used stun grenades to turn back thousands of students walking towards the international airport, an AFP journalist said. Several separate marches converged on Bolivar Square, the historic centre of the capital close to the presidency. "We are marching because in Colombia we are tired of corruption, of impunity, that the government does nothing for the poor," Olga Canon, 55, told AFP. By the end of the afternoon, most of the protesters had dispersed though some activists called for continued mobilization. Organizations that participated in the strike take issue with Duque's security policy as well as attempts to introduce a more flexible labour market, weaken public pension funds and raise the retirement age. Students are demanding more funding for education, while indigenous communities insist on greater protection in remote areas where 134 activists have been killed since Duque came to power in August 2018. 'Afraid to march' "We are very afraid to march in the streets but we do it anyway because the state is spreading so much fear with its militarization and by closing the borders," political science student Valentina Gaitan, 21, told AFP. Duque admitted some of the criticisms were legitimate in a televised speech on the eve of the strike but said the campaign against his government was based on lies seeking to provoke violence. "We recognize the value of peaceful protests, but also guarantee order," he said. The borders with Brazil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela were closed until Friday to avoid any threat to "public order and security," authorities said. Political analyst Jason Marczak said the outrage against the government, the target of several demonstrations in recent months, is part of a "considerable demonstration of discontent in the region." "The unsatisfied claims and deep polarisation are the basis for this massive event," said Marczak, of the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Thousands in Colombia protest against policies of President Ivan Duque

Funding of $1.35 billion will be needed to provide healthcare, education, nutrition and other services to Venezuelan migrants and to help their hosts in 2020, non-governmental organizations said on Wednesday.

The request for increased donations from countries around the world is the most recent of repeated appeals for help for the 4.6 million Venezuelans who have fled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelans-turn-to-alternative-medicine-amid-shortages-254459">shortages of food and medicine</a> in their homeland in recent years.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said they would start a coordination and fundraising effort for next year for projects aimed at migrants and host communities in 17 countries.

For European donors, the needs of Venezuelans seem very far away, Eduardo Stein, Joint Special Representative of the UNHCR and IOM for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, told Reuters.

"The Syrian crisis is much more immediate for Europe, it is much closer than the Venezuelan crisis for them," Stein said.

Aid needs are growing not just because there are increasing numbers of migrants, he added, but because conditions in Venezuela continue to worsen.

In a statement earlier on Wednesday Stein said international contributions needed to be doubled.

Colombia has borne the brunt of the exodus. It is now home to more than 1.4 million Venezuelans, many of whom arrived with little money and in desperate need of basic services.

The number of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia is going to sharply increase next year, the organizations said, to 2.4 million, in tandem with a possible increase of total Venezuelan migrants to 6.5 million by the end of 2020.

Colombia has repeatedly lamented a lack of funding for Venezuelans, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations.

Care for migrants costs Colombia around half a percentage point of its gross domestic product, or about $1.5 billion, annually.

The United Nations had called for global donations of $315 million in 2019 to help Colombia cope with the influx, but donations have fallen far short of the target.

Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements on Venezuelans, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can have access to social services.

Colombia has also said it will give citizenship to more than 24,000 children born to Venezuelan parents to prevent them from being stateless.

Funding of $1.35 billion will be needed to provide healthcare, education, nutrition and other services to Venezuelan migrants and to help their hosts in 2020, non-governmental organizations said on Wednesday.

Funding of $1.35 billion will be needed to provide healthcare, education, nutrition and other services to Venezuelan migrants and to help their hosts in 2020, non-governmental organizations said on Wednesday. The request for increased donations from countries around the world is the most recent of repeated appeals for help for the 4.6 million Venezuelans who have fled shortages of food and medicine in their homeland in recent years. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said they would start a coordination and fundraising effort for next year for projects aimed at migrants and host communities in 17 countries. For European donors, the needs of Venezuelans seem very far away, Eduardo Stein, Joint Special Representative of the UNHCR and IOM for Venezuelan refugees and migrants, told Reuters. "The Syrian crisis is much more immediate for Europe, it is much closer than the Venezuelan crisis for them," Stein said. Aid needs are growing not just because there are increasing numbers of migrants, he added, but because conditions in Venezuela continue to worsen. In a statement earlier on Wednesday Stein said international contributions needed to be doubled. Colombia has borne the brunt of the exodus. It is now home to more than 1.4 million Venezuelans, many of whom arrived with little money and in desperate need of basic services. The number of Venezuelan migrants in Colombia is going to sharply increase next year, the organizations said, to 2.4 million, in tandem with a possible increase of total Venezuelan migrants to 6.5 million by the end of 2020. Colombia has repeatedly lamented a lack of funding for Venezuelans, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations. Care for migrants costs Colombia around half a percentage point of its gross domestic product, or about $1.5 billion, annually. The United Nations had called for global donations of $315 million in 2019 to help Colombia cope with the influx, but donations have fallen far short of the target. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements on Venezuelans, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can have access to social services. Colombia has also said it will give citizenship to more than 24,000 children born to Venezuelan parents to prevent them from being stateless.

Venezuelan migrants need $1.35 billion in 2020 for basic services - NGOs

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine.

Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement.

Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay.

"This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million."

"We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added.

Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries.

Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community.

The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease.

Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services.

The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis.

The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday.

The United States will give an additional $120 million in humanitarian assistance to help Latin America cope with the arrival of millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing a crushing economic crisis, the State Department said on Wednesday. More than 4 million Venezuelans have fled their home country in recent years amid political upheaval and widespread shortages of food and medicine. Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) head Mark Green made the announcement during a visit to the border city of Cucuta, Colombia, an epicentre of arriving migrants, the State Department said in a statement. Ivanka Trump, White House adviser and daughter of US President Donald Trump, is also on the visit. Colombia is the first stop on a Latin American tour that will also take her, Sullivan and Green to Argentina and Paraguay. "This additional funding provides vital support, including emergency food and health assistance, to vulnerable Venezuelans in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and throughout the region," the statement said. "This assistance brings the US contribution to the Venezuelan regional crisis response to more than $376 million." "We salute Colombia and neighbouring countries for their continued support as well, and we call upon other donors to make or increase contributions to help address the crisis," the statement added. Colombia has received more Venezuelan migrants than any other country - it is now home to more than 1.4 million. Hundreds of thousands of others reside in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and other countries. Colombia has repeatedly lamented the lack of funding to help migrants, saying other humanitarian crises in Syria, South Sudan and Myanmar have received many times more in donations from the international community. The United States said last week it will provide 12,000 doses of antiretroviral HIV medication to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia, part of efforts to better manage healthcare for migrants and prevent the spread of the disease. Unlike its neighbours, Colombia has not imposed stringent immigration requirements, instead of encouraging migrants who entered the country informally to register with authorities so they can access social services. The government of Colombia frequently spars with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over security and the migration crisis. The two countries do not maintain diplomatic relations and Colombia, along with the United States, numbers among the more than 50 countries that do not recognise Maduro as Venezuela's president, instead of backing opposition leader Juan Guaido.

US to give additional $120 million to help Venezuelan migrants

Ex-FARC leaders calls for Colombia rebels to take up arms. Watch video to know more.

Ex-FARC leaders calls for Colombia rebels to take up arms

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