Reliving the decade via pictures

Venezuela will become the first self American Nation to loose all its Glaciers

Scientists: 'We can't save the last Glacier in Venezuala'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-rallies-to-revive-stalled-effort-to-oust-maduro-262603">Venezuela's opposition</a> on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

Opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido said the legislature would probe the incident, which according to website Armando.info involved nine legislators from the First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time parties.&nbsp;

The scandal comes as opposition efforts to oust Maduro lose steam and Guaido, who has been recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, struggles to launch a new wave of street protests.

"(It is) unacceptable to use a state institution to attempt to whitewash the reputation of thieves and corrupt individuals who have looted Venezuela," said Guaido, pounding a lectern as he read from notes during a press conference.

According to the Armando.info report, the lawmakers were involved in writing letters of support for a Colombian national, Carlos Lizcano, despite evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, another Colombian man who is under US&nbsp;sanction for corruption associated with Maduro's state-backed food distribution program.

It was not immediately evident if or how the legislators broke the law.&nbsp;

Guaido said he suspected the legislators received illicit payments in exchange for writing the letters, but that this would be investigated.

The letters were addressed to the US&nbsp;Treasury and Colombia's public prosecutor's office, according to the report.

Neither institution responded to requests for comment.&nbsp;

First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time on Sunday issued statements deploring the alleged corruption and promising to remove the lawmakers from the legislative comptroller commission, which focuses on fighting corruption.

"There is a smear campaign against us and some of our fellow legislators in the Venezuelan parliament," Luis Parra, who was placed under investigation by First Justice, wrote on Twitter, insisting he had been a victim of "extortion."

Freddy Superlano of Popular Will, in a letter to Guaido dated Saturday that he posted on Twitter, denied wrongdoing but said that while the investigation proceeded he was stepping down from his role as president of the comptroller commission.

The distribution programme known by the Spanish acronym CLAP has become a crucial source of food for Venezuelans facing hyperinflation, which has left a minimum wage salary so devalued it can barely buy a day's groceries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-group-ends-occupation-of-embassy-in-brazil-261967">But the programme</a> has faced widespread accusations by Venezuela's opposition and US&nbsp;authorities of over-pricing food imports as part of a broad corruption racket.

Maduro has defended CLAP as an effort to help the country weather US&nbsp;sanctions that have hobbled the OPEC nation's oil exports and made it increasingly difficult to import basic goods.

Diosdado Cabello, No. 2 of the ruling Socialist Party, delighted at the opposition's infighting.

"Nobody is clean in that corruption dispute in the opposition leadership, accusations come and go between them, they're a society of political merchants," he wrote on Twitter.

Venezuela's opposition on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido said the legislature would probe the incident, which according to website Armando.info involved nine legislators from the First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time parties. The scandal comes as opposition efforts to oust Maduro lose steam and Guaido, who has been recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, struggles to launch a new wave of street protests. "(It is) unacceptable to use a state institution to attempt to whitewash the reputation of thieves and corrupt individuals who have looted Venezuela," said Guaido, pounding a lectern as he read from notes during a press conference. According to the Armando.info report, the lawmakers were involved in writing letters of support for a Colombian national, Carlos Lizcano, despite evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, another Colombian man who is under US sanction for corruption associated with Maduro's state-backed food distribution program. It was not immediately evident if or how the legislators broke the law. Guaido said he suspected the legislators received illicit payments in exchange for writing the letters, but that this would be investigated. The letters were addressed to the US Treasury and Colombia's public prosecutor's office, according to the report. Neither institution responded to requests for comment. First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time on Sunday issued statements deploring the alleged corruption and promising to remove the lawmakers from the legislative comptroller commission, which focuses on fighting corruption. "There is a smear campaign against us and some of our fellow legislators in the Venezuelan parliament," Luis Parra, who was placed under investigation by First Justice, wrote on Twitter, insisting he had been a victim of "extortion." Freddy Superlano of Popular Will, in a letter to Guaido dated Saturday that he posted on Twitter, denied wrongdoing but said that while the investigation proceeded he was stepping down from his role as president of the comptroller commission. The distribution programme known by the Spanish acronym CLAP has become a crucial source of food for Venezuelans facing hyperinflation, which has left a minimum wage salary so devalued it can barely buy a day's groceries. But the programme has faced widespread accusations by Venezuela's opposition and US authorities of over-pricing food imports as part of a broad corruption racket. Maduro has defended CLAP as an effort to help the country weather US sanctions that have hobbled the OPEC nation's oil exports and made it increasingly difficult to import basic goods. Diosdado Cabello, No. 2 of the ruling Socialist Party, delighted at the opposition's infighting. "Nobody is clean in that corruption dispute in the opposition leadership, accusations come and go between them, they're a society of political merchants," he wrote on Twitter.

Venezuela: Opposition to investigate reports of wrongdoing by lawmakers

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

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

Backers of Venezuela's opposition leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-has-abandoned-the-negotiation-talks-venezuelas-juan-guaido-250055">Juan Guaido</a> left the country's embassy in Brasilia on Wednesday, after a tense 11-hour standoff that created a diplomatic embarrassment for Brazil's right-wing government.

Brazil's foreign ministry said a diplomat it sent to mediate a peaceful end to the dispute managed to convince the group of 10 people to leave the mission.

Representatives of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro later regained access to the building, creating a tricky situation for Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, who has recognised Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

The incident caused scuffles outside the embassy in an embarrassment for Brazil's government as it hosts the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-summit-2019-pm-modi-meets-russian-president-putin-261934">BRICS summit</a> of major emerging economies in the capital on Wednesday and Thursday. Leaders Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia, who support Maduro, attended the event.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Twitter the "violent" occupation had ended peacefully, thanks to the intervention of the Brazilian authorities.

Members of the Guaido group said embassy staff had allowed them to enter the embassy in the morning and that they did so peacefully.

Guaido's envoy in Brazil, Maria Teresa Belandria, has not been able to access the embassy since she arrived 10 months ago and has been living and working out of a Brasilia hotel.

Crowds of Brazilians who gathered outside the embassy to support the rival claims of Maduro and Guaido traded insults and some came to blows before police could separate them.

"The Brazilian government ordered us to leave our country's embassy and we were escorted out by the back door like delinquents," Venezuelan Army Mayor Jose Gregorio, who deserted to Brazil this year, said by telephone after leaving the embassy.

Venezuelan embassies around the world have become flash points for the competing claims of Guaido, the head of country's National Assembly, and Maduro, a socialist who took over from late President Hugo Chavez in 2013.

Earlier this year, Guaido invoked constitutional provisions to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was fraudulent. He has since been recognised by most Western nations as the rightful leader of Venezuela.

An occupation by protesters at the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in May resulted in arrests before the building was returned to Guaido's representatives, who are recognised by the United States.

Backers of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido left the country's embassy in Brasilia on Wednesday, after a tense 11-hour standoff that created a diplomatic embarrassment for Brazil's right-wing government.

Backers of Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido left the country's embassy in Brasilia on Wednesday, after a tense 11-hour standoff that created a diplomatic embarrassment for Brazil's right-wing government. Brazil's foreign ministry said a diplomat it sent to mediate a peaceful end to the dispute managed to convince the group of 10 people to leave the mission. Representatives of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro later regained access to the building, creating a tricky situation for Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, who has recognised Guaido as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. The incident caused scuffles outside the embassy in an embarrassment for Brazil's government as it hosts the BRICS summit of major emerging economies in the capital on Wednesday and Thursday. Leaders Xi Jinping of China and Vladimir Putin of Russia, who support Maduro, attended the event. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Twitter the "violent" occupation had ended peacefully, thanks to the intervention of the Brazilian authorities. Members of the Guaido group said embassy staff had allowed them to enter the embassy in the morning and that they did so peacefully. Guaido's envoy in Brazil, Maria Teresa Belandria, has not been able to access the embassy since she arrived 10 months ago and has been living and working out of a Brasilia hotel. Crowds of Brazilians who gathered outside the embassy to support the rival claims of Maduro and Guaido traded insults and some came to blows before police could separate them. "The Brazilian government ordered us to leave our country's embassy and we were escorted out by the back door like delinquents," Venezuelan Army Mayor Jose Gregorio, who deserted to Brazil this year, said by telephone after leaving the embassy. Venezuelan embassies around the world have become flash points for the competing claims of Guaido, the head of country's National Assembly, and Maduro, a socialist who took over from late President Hugo Chavez in 2013. Earlier this year, Guaido invoked constitutional provisions to assume an interim presidency, arguing that Maduro's re-election last year was fraudulent. He has since been recognised by most Western nations as the rightful leader of Venezuela. An occupation by protesters at the Venezuelan embassy in Washington in May resulted in arrests before the building was returned to Guaido's representatives, who are recognised by the United States.

Venezuelan opposition group ends occupation of embassy in Brazil

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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../turkey-starts-repatriation-of-captured-islamic- state-militants-report-261349">European Union</a> extended sanctions against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../wion-wallet-teachers-continue-protest-in- venezuela-for-better-working-conditions-257868">Venezuela</a> by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses.

The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government.

The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights".

"These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said.

"The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population."

The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since.

In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president.

But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on.

The European Union extended sanctions against Venezuela by a year on Monday to pressure President Nicolas Maduro's government as the crisis gripping the oil-rich country rumbles on. An embargo on arms and equipment that could be used for political repression was extended to November 14 next year, along with asset freezes and travel bans on 25 senior members of the Maduro regime blamed for rights abuses. The European move comes less than a week after Washington slapped new sanctions on five more Venezuelan officials, vowing to maintain "maximum pressure" on the Maduro government. The European Council, which groups the 28 member states, said the decision to extend the sanctions was taken "in light of the ongoing political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis", pointing to "persistent actions undermining democracy, the rule of law and the respect for human rights". "These measures are intended to help encourage democratic shared solutions in order to bring political stability to the country and allow it to address the pressing needs of the population," the council said. "The targeted measures are flexible and reversible and designed not to harm the Venezuelan population." The EU imposed the arms embargo in November 2017 and has added various officials to the sanctions list since. In January, US President Donald Trump declared Maduro illegitimate after a widely criticised election, with most Western and Latin American nations recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. But nearly a year of pressure has failed to dislodge Maduro, who retains the support of the military, Russia and China despite a crumbling economy.

European Union extends sanctions against Venezuela for a year amid crisis

Another protest hits Venezuela. Nurses protest over low wages.

WION Wallet: Nurses protest over low wages in Venezuela

The thick petroleum&nbsp;sludge&nbsp;that has been mysteriously washing up on&nbsp;beaches&nbsp;in&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;for more than a month struck the popular tourist spot of Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco state on October 19.

Normally known for its beautiful sand, palm trees and&nbsp;pristine&nbsp;tidal pools, the resort area was&nbsp;sullied&nbsp;by an&nbsp;oily&nbsp;sludge&nbsp;and locals scrambled to clean up the mess.

Reports of the oil spill emerged late last month.&nbsp;Brazil's environmental agency Ibama has reported that an analysis of a vast oil spill along the country's northeastern&nbsp;beaches&nbsp;showed the spilt crude did not originate in the country.

On October 09,&nbsp;Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the&nbsp;sludge&nbsp;was "very likely from Venezuela," citing a report by state-run oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

The thick petroleum sludge that has been mysteriously washing up on beaches in Brazil for more than a month struck the popular tourist spot of Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco state on October 19.

The thick petroleum sludge that has been mysteriously washing up on beaches in Brazil for more than a month struck the popular tourist spot of Porto de Galinhas in Pernambuco state on October 19. Normally known for its beautiful sand, palm trees and pristine tidal pools, the resort area was sullied by an oily sludge and locals scrambled to clean up the mess. Reports of the oil spill emerged late last month. Brazil's environmental agency Ibama has reported that an analysis of a vast oil spill along the country's northeastern beaches showed the spilt crude did not originate in the country. On October 09, Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said the sludge was "very likely from Venezuela," citing a report by state-run oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA.

Brazil beaches sullied by oily sludge

Ecuador imposes curfew after protests push government out of capital

Venezuelans desperately explored&nbsp;piracy&nbsp;workarounds on Tuesday to continue using&nbsp;Adobe&nbsp;programs&nbsp;after&nbsp;the software developer said it will&nbsp;cut&nbsp;access to its products for the country's users, citing<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venezuela-people-protests-against-imposed-sanctions-241437"> US&nbsp;sanctions.</a>

Critics said the move demonstrated the unintended consequences of the policies of US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's administration.

San Jose, California-based&nbsp;Adobe&nbsp;Inc, whose products like Photoshop and InDesign are widely used by&nbsp;designers, illustrators and digital marketers, said on Monday it was "deactivating all accounts in&nbsp;Venezuela" to comply with the sanctions, which are part of Washington's effort to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

A slew of&nbsp;Venezuelan creative professionals took to social media to argue that&nbsp;Adobe's move would have a devastating impact on freelance&nbsp;designers&nbsp;and marketers, who are already struggling with a hyperinflationary economic collapse.

Gremiana Gonzalez, a graphic design student at the University of the Andes in western Merida state, offered instructions on Twitter on how to "crack any app in the Creative Cloud," referring to&nbsp;Adobe's collection of programs.

"In a way it goes against my principles because I am not completely in agreement with&nbsp;piracy, but in these circumstances either you use pirated software or you don't eat," Gonzalez said in a text message. "I know that just like me, many&nbsp;Venezuelans depend completely on freelancing, and&nbsp;Adobe's suite is the most widely-used, best-acclaimed and easiest to access."

Adobe&nbsp;said its software will stop working in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;on Oct 28.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-chief-condemns-latest-us-venezuela-sanctions-241802">Critics of US&nbsp;policy towards&nbsp;Venezuela</a>&nbsp;pointed to&nbsp;Adobe's announcement as the latest example of how the Trump administration's steady escalation of sanctions has hurt ordinary people without succeeding in ousting Maduro, who is accused of corruption and human rights violations.

Washington in January slapped sanctions on state oil company PDVSA, the lifeblood of&nbsp;Venezuela's economy, and has sanctioned dozens of top government officials.

In August, it froze all&nbsp;Venezuelan state assets in the United States and threatened sanctions on any company continuing to do business with the government.&nbsp;Adobe&nbsp;cited that measure in a statement announcing the decision on Monday.

A spokesman for the US&nbsp;Treasury Department, which implements sanctions, said Treasury had "an active sanctions programme in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;aimed at depriving resources from the illegitimate Maduro regime."

The spokesman referred comment on a private company's individual compliance to&nbsp;Adobe.&nbsp;Adobe&nbsp;did not respond to a request for comment.

Francisco Rodriguez, a prominent&nbsp;Venezuelan economist who has launched a nonprofit to help alleviate the OPEC nation's humanitarian crisis, circulated a petition requesting the US&nbsp;Treasury Department to issue a license exempting software&nbsp;service&nbsp;providers from the sanctions.

"Adobe's decision to suspend&nbsp;services in&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;has revived the debate over the impact of sanctions," Rodriguez wrote on Twitter. "But maybe we are leaving aside the most relevant question: what can we due to mitigate the impact of these measures on&nbsp;Venezuelans?"

Venezuelans desperately explored piracy workarounds on Tuesday to continue using Adobe programs after the software developer said it will cut access to its products for the country's users, citing US sanctions.

Venezuelans desperately explored piracy workarounds on Tuesday to continue using Adobe programs after the software developer said it will cut access to its products for the country's users, citing US sanctions. Critics said the move demonstrated the unintended consequences of the policies of US President Donald Trump's administration. San Jose, California-based Adobe Inc, whose products like Photoshop and InDesign are widely used by designers, illustrators and digital marketers, said on Monday it was "deactivating all accounts in Venezuela" to comply with the sanctions, which are part of Washington's effort to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro. A slew of Venezuelan creative professionals took to social media to argue that Adobe's move would have a devastating impact on freelance designers and marketers, who are already struggling with a hyperinflationary economic collapse. Gremiana Gonzalez, a graphic design student at the University of the Andes in western Merida state, offered instructions on Twitter on how to "crack any app in the Creative Cloud," referring to Adobe's collection of programs. "In a way it goes against my principles because I am not completely in agreement with piracy, but in these circumstances either you use pirated software or you don't eat," Gonzalez said in a text message. "I know that just like me, many Venezuelans depend completely on freelancing, and Adobe's suite is the most widely-used, best-acclaimed and easiest to access." Adobe said its software will stop working in Venezuela on Oct 28. Critics of US policy towards Venezuela pointed to Adobe's announcement as the latest example of how the Trump administration's steady escalation of sanctions has hurt ordinary people without succeeding in ousting Maduro, who is accused of corruption and human rights violations. Washington in January slapped sanctions on state oil company PDVSA, the lifeblood of Venezuela's economy, and has sanctioned dozens of top government officials. In August, it froze all Venezuelan state assets in the United States and threatened sanctions on any company continuing to do business with the government. Adobe cited that measure in a statement announcing the decision on Monday. A spokesman for the US Treasury Department, which implements sanctions, said Treasury had "an active sanctions programme in Venezuela aimed at depriving resources from the illegitimate Maduro regime." The spokesman referred comment on a private company's individual compliance to Adobe. Adobe did not respond to a request for comment. Francisco Rodriguez, a prominent Venezuelan economist who has launched a nonprofit to help alleviate the OPEC nation's humanitarian crisis, circulated a petition requesting the US Treasury Department to issue a license exempting software service providers from the sanctions. "Adobe's decision to suspend services in Venezuela has revived the debate over the impact of sanctions," Rodriguez wrote on Twitter. "But maybe we are leaving aside the most relevant question: what can we due to mitigate the impact of these measures on Venezuelans?"

Venezuela designers turn to piracy after Adobe announces it will cut service

The small waiting room at the home of self-styled healer "Brother Guayanes" in Caracas' rundown Petare district fills up quickly with patients -- business has never been better.

With Venezuela's chronic medicine shortages and hyperinflation, more and more people are turning to alternative medicine to treat common ailments in the crisis-wracked South American country.

"We go to the hospital and there's nothing there. They don't have medicines, or they're too expensive, what are we to do?" said Rosa Saez, 77, who has come to get treatment for a painful arm.

Carlos Rosales -- he uses the more ceremonious "Brother Guayanes" for his business -- is finishing up a "spiritual intervention" on a patient in what passes for his surgery.

The patient lies, eyes closed, on a cot as, in a series of swishes and clicks, the healer waves five pairs of scissors one after another over his prone body.&nbsp;

The healer says he performs 200 such interventions a week in a dim, candle-lit room that features two camp beds and an array of plaster statues that Rosales says represent "spiritual entities".

A regular visitor to the spiritual center, Saez says she has faith in Rosales' methods: "He healed my kidneys."&nbsp;

Natural healing

All across Venezuela, but particularly in poor areas like Petare, patients cannot hope to afford the price of medicines that due to the economic crisis, have become exceedingly rare.&nbsp;

Venezuela's pharmacists' federation say&nbsp;pharmacies and hospitals have on average only about 20 per cent of the medicine stock needed.

Rosales' clinic is muggy with the smell of tobacco. A crucifix suspended from a chain around his neck, he practices a seeming mixture of smoke-blowing shamanism, plant-based medicine and mainstream religion.&nbsp;

Posters hung near the entrance remind clients to arrive with a candle and tobacco and "Don't forget that payment is in cash".

Much like a general practitioner, Rosales spends time consulting with his patients, examining them with a stethoscope, before offering a diagnosis. Often he prescribes potions based on plants and fruit, such as pineapple and a type of local squash known as chayote.

"We know medicines are necessary," he says. "I'm not against medicine, but my medicine is botany."

Plants replace drugs

At her stall in a downtown Caracas market, 72-year-old Lilia Reyes says she has seen her trade in medicinal plants flourish.

"I can't keep up with the demand," she said at her stall, bathed in the aroma of chamomile, one of the 150 plants she sells.

Careless consumption of some herbs can be deadly, warns Grismery Morillo. A doctor at a Caracas public hospital, she says she has seen many cases of acute liver failure in people who have eaten certain roots.

According to Venezuela's opposition parties, some 300,000 chronically ill people are in danger of dying from the shortages of medicines.

But despite the risks, people like Carmen Teresa say they have no alternative.&nbsp;

In the kitchen of her restaurant which closed down three years ago as the economic crisis took hold, the 58-year-old Colombian prepares an infusion of fig leaves to treat "diabetic neuropathy".

The painkillers needed for the condition are "too expensive" and prices are going up due to hyperinflation, so she is cutting back on the pills and supplementing her treatment with herbal infusions.

She needs at least four tablets a day to keep her diabetes at bay. Her mother, bedridden since breaking a leg a year ago, suffers from Alzheimer's disease and needs five pills a day for hypertension.

"I'm still taking my pills, but I reduced the dose," says Teresa, who is also replacing cholesterol pills with lemon juice.

The small waiting room at the home of self-styled healer "Brother Guayanes" in Caracas' rundown Petare district fills up quickly with patients -- business has never been better.

The small waiting room at the home of self-styled healer "Brother Guayanes" in Caracas' rundown Petare district fills up quickly with patients -- business has never been better. With Venezuela's chronic medicine shortages and hyperinflation, more and more people are turning to alternative medicine to treat common ailments in the crisis-wracked South American country. "We go to the hospital and there's nothing there. They don't have medicines, or they're too expensive, what are we to do?" said Rosa Saez, 77, who has come to get treatment for a painful arm. Carlos Rosales -- he uses the more ceremonious "Brother Guayanes" for his business -- is finishing up a "spiritual intervention" on a patient in what passes for his surgery. The patient lies, eyes closed, on a cot as, in a series of swishes and clicks, the healer waves five pairs of scissors one after another over his prone body. The healer says he performs 200 such interventions a week in a dim, candle-lit room that features two camp beds and an array of plaster statues that Rosales says represent "spiritual entities". A regular visitor to the spiritual center, Saez says she has faith in Rosales' methods: "He healed my kidneys." Natural healing All across Venezuela, but particularly in poor areas like Petare, patients cannot hope to afford the price of medicines that due to the economic crisis, have become exceedingly rare. Venezuela's pharmacists' federation say pharmacies and hospitals have on average only about 20 per cent of the medicine stock needed. Rosales' clinic is muggy with the smell of tobacco. A crucifix suspended from a chain around his neck, he practices a seeming mixture of smoke-blowing shamanism, plant-based medicine and mainstream religion. Posters hung near the entrance remind clients to arrive with a candle and tobacco and "Don't forget that payment is in cash". Much like a general practitioner, Rosales spends time consulting with his patients, examining them with a stethoscope, before offering a diagnosis. Often he prescribes potions based on plants and fruit, such as pineapple and a type of local squash known as chayote. "We know medicines are necessary," he says. "I'm not against medicine, but my medicine is botany." Plants replace drugs At her stall in a downtown Caracas market, 72-year-old Lilia Reyes says she has seen her trade in medicinal plants flourish. "I can't keep up with the demand," she said at her stall, bathed in the aroma of chamomile, one of the 150 plants she sells. Careless consumption of some herbs can be deadly, warns Grismery Morillo. A doctor at a Caracas public hospital, she says she has seen many cases of acute liver failure in people who have eaten certain roots. According to Venezuela's opposition parties, some 300,000 chronically ill people are in danger of dying from the shortages of medicines. But despite the risks, people like Carmen Teresa say they have no alternative. In the kitchen of her restaurant which closed down three years ago as the economic crisis took hold, the 58-year-old Colombian prepares an infusion of fig leaves to treat "diabetic neuropathy". The painkillers needed for the condition are "too expensive" and prices are going up due to hyperinflation, so she is cutting back on the pills and supplementing her treatment with herbal infusions. She needs at least four tablets a day to keep her diabetes at bay. Her mother, bedridden since breaking a leg a year ago, suffers from Alzheimer's disease and needs five pills a day for hypertension. "I'm still taking my pills, but I reduced the dose," says Teresa, who is also replacing cholesterol pills with lemon juice.

Venezuelans turn to alternative medicine amid shortages

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates.

Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Venezuela this year to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been dismissed by the United States and dozens of other countries as a sham. Some measures have led tanker operators to stop carrying oil for Venezuela's state-run PDVSA oil firm.

The decision by the world's largest publicly-traded oil producer to ban the Venezuela-linked tankers should affect about 250 vessels, two of the people familiar with the matter estimated.

Exxon declined to comment. PDVSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Over 25 foreign vessels reach Venezuelan ports per month, according to PDVSA and Refinitiv Eikon data. Some are known to turn their transponders off to avoid detection amid the tough US sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil industry.

Average freight earnings for supertankers on the closely-watched US-China route jumped over $20,000 on Friday to $87,625 a day, the highest level since rates for the route were first published in March, Baltic Exchange data showed.

"The VLCC pool here (in the Caribbean) has been very thin for some while, and this week rates pushed to levels not seen for many a year - $12 million now to the Far East and it's almost 'name your price,'" E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd said in a report on Friday.

Another shipbroker who declined to be identified to avoid upsetting clients said Exxon's directive may have a limited impact on freight rates. But he said those rates could go higher "if it spreads to other charterers beyond Exxon."

A lack of vessels willing to carry Venezuelan oil exports is hurting Cuba, the crisis-torn country's main political ally, which imposed fresh austerity measures last month due to power cuts and an acute shortage of fuel.

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates.

Exxon Mobil Corp this week banned the use of vessels linked to oil flows from Venezuela in the last year, according to four people familiar with the matter, putting new pressure on the US sanctioned country and on global crude freight rates. Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions on Venezuela this year to oust socialist President Nicolas Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been dismissed by the United States and dozens of other countries as a sham. Some measures have led tanker operators to stop carrying oil for Venezuela's state-run PDVSA oil firm. The decision by the world's largest publicly-traded oil producer to ban the Venezuela-linked tankers should affect about 250 vessels, two of the people familiar with the matter estimated. Exxon declined to comment. PDVSA did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over 25 foreign vessels reach Venezuelan ports per month, according to PDVSA and Refinitiv Eikon data. Some are known to turn their transponders off to avoid detection amid the tough US sanctions targeting Venezuela's oil industry. Average freight earnings for supertankers on the closely-watched US-China route jumped over $20,000 on Friday to $87,625 a day, the highest level since rates for the route were first published in March, Baltic Exchange data showed. "The VLCC pool here (in the Caribbean) has been very thin for some while, and this week rates pushed to levels not seen for many a year - $12 million now to the Far East and it's almost 'name your price,'" E.A. Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd said in a report on Friday. Another shipbroker who declined to be identified to avoid upsetting clients said Exxon's directive may have a limited impact on freight rates. But he said those rates could go higher "if it spreads to other charterers beyond Exxon." A lack of vessels willing to carry Venezuelan oil exports is hurting Cuba, the crisis-torn country's main political ally, which imposed fresh austerity measures last month due to power cuts and an acute shortage of fuel.

Exxon Mobil bars use of oil tankers linked to Venezuela: Report

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-launches-probe-into-venezuela-rights-abuses-252441">labour violations</a>, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras.

The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US.

The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said.

The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation."

Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice.

The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history.

Venezuela is suffering from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-playlist-humanitarian-crisis-in-venezuela-244667">punishing economic crisis </a>and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday. The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras. The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US. The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said. The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation." Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice. The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history. Venezuela is suffering from a punishing economic crisis and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela must end worker abuses: U.N. inquiry

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining.

It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela.

The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment".

"Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel.

The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union.

Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe.

"The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council.

Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar.

'Systematic abuse'&nbsp;

The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year.

Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela.

It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions".

"It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela.

The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday voted to send a team of investigators to probe alleged violations, including extrajudicial executions and torture, in crisis-wracked Venezuela. A resolution tabled by more than a dozen countries from Latin America and elsewhere was adopted by the 47-member council with 19 votes in favour, seven opposed and 21 abstaining. It called for the U.N.'s top rights body to "dispatch urgently an independent international fact-finding mission" to Venezuela. The mission, the text said, should "investigate extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment". "Venezuelans, men and women, cannot wait any longer" for justice, said the representative of Peru, on behalf of the sponsoring nations, who also included Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and Israel. The one-year mission should carry out its investigation "with a view to ensuring full accountability for perpetrators and justice for victims," said the text, which also received the backing of the European Union. Venezuelan Ambassador Jorge Valero slammed the resolution as a "hostile initiative", and said his country had no intention of cooperating with the new probe. "The imposition of an additional monitoring mechanism will never receive the consent of my country," he told the council. Even when they are not granted access to a country, U.N. investigators can nonetheless carry out probes from abroad, as has been the case with investigations into abuses in Syria and Myanmar. 'Systematic abuse' The investigative team will be expected to present a report to the council in a year. Venezuela is caught in an economic crisis and a political standoff between President Nicolas Maduro's government and National Assembly leader Juan Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016. Friday's resolution deplored "the systematic abuse of state institutions accelerating the erosion of the rule of law and of democratic institutions" in Venezuela. It also urged Caracas to release all "political prisoners" and voiced "grave concern" over UN rights office findings in July suggesting that many of the more than 6,000 killings in alleged confrontations with state forces since early 2018 may, in fact, have been "executions". "It must be clear to all at this Council that when violations of this gravity and scale are reported to us, we must respond in an equally serious manner," British Ambassador Julian Braithwaite, whose country backed the resolution, told the council.

United Nations launches probe into Venezuela rights abuses

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free."

"Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country.

Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website.

The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela."

Venezuela is gripped by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lima-group-venezuela-crisis-threatens-international-security-238102">an economic and political crisis</a>, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader.

The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-migrant-crisis-to-become-worlds-largest-by-2020-report-231539">Venezuela which is in free fall</a>, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions.

Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year.

Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies."

"Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.

Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-appeals-for-more-help-to-alleviate-venezuela-refugee-crisis-243966">3.6 million people to flee</a> since 2016.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Venezuela was suffering "a tragedy of historic proportions" as he pledged to do everything in his power to isolate Nicolas Maduro's regime. Trump told around two dozen Latin American leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that socialism had "destroyed" oil-rich Venezuela, but that the country's people "will be free." "Today Venezuelans are starving and they're dying from lack of medicine. We will stand with the Venezuelan people every single day," he said, adding that socialism had "destroyed" the South American country. Trump simultaneously suspended senior members of the Maduro government from entry into the United States via a proclamation posted on the White House website. The document said that the President was banning those "who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure Venezuela's democratic institutions or impede the restoration of constitutional government to Venezuela." Venezuela is gripped by an economic and political crisis, with both Maduro and self-declared acting president Juan Guaido claiming to be the country's leader. The United States, along with more than 50 other countries, recognizes Guaido as leader of Venezuela which is in free fall, hit by low oil prices, mismanagement and the impact of US sanctions. Most of the international community did not recognize the results of controversial polls that handed Maduro a second term last year. Trump added at the meeting in a hotel in New York that the United States was "doing everything we can to isolate Maduro and his cronies." "Venezuela's rebuilding can begin the moment a peaceful transition occurs," he told counterparts, including the presidents of Argentina, Chile and Ecuador. Venezuela suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Trump says Venezuelans will end up 'free'

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans.

"We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

"The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world."

Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government.

Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America.

Colombian President Ivan Duque called on Saturday for coordinated international sanctions targeting Venezuela to help stop President Nicolas Maduro's support for Colombian rebels and drug traffickers from destabilizing Latin America. Duque, who accuses Maduro of providing a safe haven for Colombian rebel fighters from the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group and the still-active ELN rebels, compared the Venezuelan leader to former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, who was put on trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for alleged war crimes in conflicts that destabilized the Balkans. "We should look at communal sanctions and actions so that the threat of (Venezuela) protecting terrorism in its territory ends," Duque told Reuters before traveling to the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. "The international community must understand that the dictatorship has to come to an end soon because the humanitarian tragedy, in addition to the consolidation of a dictatorial regime that is coexisting with drug cartels and with terrorism, is a threat for the whole Western hemisphere and for the stability of the world." Maduro accuses Colombia of preparing to attack Venezuela and has repeatedly warned of an invasion coordinated with the US government. Colombia is the top destination for Venezuelans fleeing widespread shortages of food and medicine some 1.4 million now reside in Colombia.

Coordinated sanctions could stop Maduro from destabilizing region: Colombian President Ivan Duque

Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Zambrano released from jail. Watch video to know more.

Venezuelan opposition lawmaker Zambrano released from jail

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-national-security-advisor-restrained-him-on-venezuela-249294">Venezuela</a> is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

"We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet.

"We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said.

On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime.

A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump.

"Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said.

Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-parties-back-guaido-as-congress-chief-in-2020-248230">opposition leader Juan Guaido</a> as the legitimate president.

The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict."

In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity".

Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president.

Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela". 
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Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move.

Venezuela is "ready" to defend itself, Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said Friday, after Washington invoked a regional defence pact that might justify such a move. "We are ready to protect ourselves, we are ready to react," Arreaza told a news conference after meeting in Geneva with UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet. "We will let no one trample sacred Venezuelan soil, we will respond and hope that never happens," the minister said. On Wednesday, the US invoked a regional defence pact with 10 other countries and Venezuela's opposition in response to "bellicose" moves by President Nicolas Maduro's regime. A request to invoke the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) came from the Venezuelan opposition, according to a statement by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that was retweeted by President Donald Trump. "Recent bellicose moves by the Venezuelan military to deploy along the border with Colombia as well as the presence of illegal armed groups and terrorist organizations in Venezuelan territory demonstrate that Nicolas Maduro not only poses a threat to the Venezuelan people, his actions threaten the peace and security of Venezuela’s neighbors," Pompeo said. Trump said Thursday that former national security advisor John Bolton "was holding me back" on Venezuela, where Washington has recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president. The US invoked the TIAR in response to large-scale movements by Venezuelan troops near the border with Colombia, which Maduro has accused of trying to "trigger a conflict." In Geneva, Arreaza insisted that "we will never attack a brother country, our people will never trample the ground of a brother country, under any circumstance, except to defend our people and territorial integrity". Venezuela is gripped by a deep political and economic crisis and has begun to deploy 150,000 troops along its long border with Colombia. Colombian President Ivan Duque has also ruled out an invasion of Venezuela, but recognises Guaido as the legitimate president. Arreaza dismissed the opposition's invoking of the TIAR as "illegal" and "dangerous" because "it suggests they have activated a mechanism to attack Venezuela".

Venezuela 'ready' to defend itself after US invokes defence pact: Foreign minister

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">national security advisor</a> won't bring a softening of the US position on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/left-behind-venezuelas-kids-growing-up-without-parents-247914">Venezuela</a>.

Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombias-armed-forces-on-alert-over-venezuela-military-exercises-249164">Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises</a>

However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden.

"In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said.

The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry.

Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power.

Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce.

More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba. 
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President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday.

President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that the exit of his hawkish national security advisor won't bring a softening of the US position on Venezuela. Bolton, a prominent hardliner in Washington's attempt to pressure Venezuelan strongman President Nicolas Maduro from power, was sacked Tuesday. This sparked speculation in some media outlets that Trump might seek a more conciliatory line. Also read: Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises However, the president indicated on Twitter that his policies could instead harden. "In fact, my views on Venezuela, and especially Cuba, were far stronger than those of John Bolton. He was holding me back!" he said. The United States already imposes sanctions on Venezuelan officials and its oil industry. Washington has also recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate president, but with little success in shifting Maduro's grip on power. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country as a result of political unrest and economic collapse, with food and medicinal supplies often scarce. More than 50 countries recognise Guaido. However, Maduro still enjoys support from Russia, China and Cuba.

Trump says national security advisor restrained him on Venezuela

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered a series of military drills that began on Tuesday in response to what he called Colombia`s planned aggression against the OPEC nation.

"As for the exercises that the Venezuelan regime is carrying out ... we are on a special alert," General Luis Navarro told reporters. "We have been openly threatened."

Maduro accused Colombia of preparing an attack after President Ivan Duque said that the socialist leader was protecting members of the ELN guerilla group and dissident members of the FARC, some of who recently took up arms again.

Maduro has repeatedly warned of an invasion by Colombia coordinated by the US government.

Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against Maduro`s government, says it wants a peaceful resolution to Venezuela`s crisis in which Maduro voluntarily resigns.

Most western nations consider Maduro illegitimate after he secured a second term last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The United States instead says Venezuela`s rightful head of state is opposition leader Juan Guaido, who Maduro accuses of seeking a coup.

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday.

The Colombian military is on alert in response to Venezuelan armed forces exercises along the two nations` border that Colombia considers an open threat, a senior military commander said on Wednesday. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered a series of military drills that began on Tuesday in response to what he called Colombia`s planned aggression against the OPEC nation. "As for the exercises that the Venezuelan regime is carrying out ... we are on a special alert," General Luis Navarro told reporters. "We have been openly threatened." Maduro accused Colombia of preparing an attack after President Ivan Duque said that the socialist leader was protecting members of the ELN guerilla group and dissident members of the FARC, some of who recently took up arms again. Maduro has repeatedly warned of an invasion by Colombia coordinated by the US government. Washington, which has levied several rounds of sanctions against Maduro`s government, says it wants a peaceful resolution to Venezuela`s crisis in which Maduro voluntarily resigns. Most western nations consider Maduro illegitimate after he secured a second term last year in a vote widely viewed as fraudulent. The United States instead says Venezuela`s rightful head of state is opposition leader Juan Guaido, who Maduro accuses of seeking a coup.

Colombia's armed forces on alert over Venezuela military exercises

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December.&nbsp;

They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents.

Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year.

Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears.

"It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18.

"Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back."

One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap.

"About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP.

Raised on remittances

Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia.&nbsp;

They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant.

The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica.

Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'"&nbsp;

Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games.

Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba.

'Miss you Mama'

There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo.&nbsp;

"Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends.

Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid.

Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space.

The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas.

Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize.

Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon.

She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela.

"I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years.

But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent.

"I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN.

Christmas may still be a long way off, but Frankeiber Hernandez can barely wait for his parents to return from Peru in December. They are among 3.6 million migrants who have fled Venezuela's economic meltdown since 2016, according to the UN. And he is one of the thousands of kids left behind -- growing up back home without parents. Frankeiber was 16 when his mother left for Peru to earn money for the family. His father joined her the following year. Since they've been gone, birthdays and other family occasions often end in tears. "It's always very bad," says Frankeiber, now 18. "Sometimes, I get depressed, but I keep hoping that they come back." One in four Venezuelan migrants leaves at least one child behind, amid acute shortages of basic foods and medicines, according to NGO Cecodap. "About 846,000 children could be in this situation," Cecodap director Abel Saraiba told AFP. Raised on remittances Grandmother Estelita is raising the teenager and his brother Fraiber, eight, with her husband in the rundown western Caracas suburb of Catia. They survive on the dollars that the couple send back from Peru, where they work in a restaurant. The dollar acts as a shield against crippling hyperinflation. Remittances from Venezuelans living abroad were worth around $3 billion over the past year, according to analysts Econanalitica. Estelita, 58, says she is thankful to her daughter for the money, "but I'd rather have her here because she keeps telling me 'I'm losing my son's love.'" Over time, Fraiber's conversations with his mother have diminished, and he's spending more and more time with his video games. Children growing up without parents in the home experience irritability, depression and anger, says Saraiba. 'Miss you Mama' There's Xavier, an 11-year-old who cries every night since his mother left a year ago, says his grandmother, Carmen Lugo. "Mama I miss you," he writes in letters that he never sends. Lugo has taken care of Xavier -- along with his two brothers and a cousin -- since her two daughters left for Madrid. Lugo cooks and cleans for her grandchildren, and takes them to school every morning. At night, they sleep in the same bed because there's no other space. The brutal force of Venezuela's meltdown is creating "transnational families" whose only links are WhatsApp conversations and remittances, says sociologist Claudia Vargas. Child psychologists warn parents to avoid traumatising their children by promising them a hypothetical return that may never materialize. Andreina, 15, has come to accept that she is not about to see her father come back from Costa Rica anytime soon. She lives hoping to join her mother on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao, just north of Venezuela. "I would really like her to leave, not because she's a burden, but for her own wellbeing," says her grandmother Minu, her guardian for the past three years. But it's not clear whether Andreina would be able to leave. Venezuelan law prohibits minors from travelling without at least one parent. "I would be happy if I was with my mom. But I would be so sad because it would mean leaving my grandmother," says Andreina, who adds that her 64-year-old grandmother has become her "best friend."

Left behind: Venezuela's kids growing up without parents

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

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