Dublin (may 26/21). In collaboration with the Irish Center for Human Rights of NUI Galway, the Colombian Embassy in Dublin organised the event 'Colombia's approach to the Venezuelan migration crisis: a regularisation scheme for pragmatic, humanitarian and human rights considerations.' The webinar had key-note presentations from the Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Adriana Mejía, the Director for Planning of Migracion Colombia Juan Camilo González, professor María Teresa Palacios (Universidad del Rosario), and the regional director of the Irish NGO GOAL Bernard McCaul.
Vice Minister highlighted in her intervention that 'migration flows are a worldwide reality and a migration crisis such as the Venezuelan is a large scale humanitarian challenge'. She also called on the international community to " acknowledge the reality of the Venezuelan migrant crisis and provide support with resources to the host countries and host communities in order to promote the adoption of comprehensive measures to address the migratory phenomena as an opportunity".
Mr. Gonzales from Migración Colombia highlighted that the Temporary Protection Statute will allow Venezuelan migrants to access health and education services in Colombia. The Regional Director of GOAL, Mr McCaul recognised the robust Colombian institutional framework for dealing with this migratory crisis, he highlighted the importance of civil society working in coordination with the government to work for the benefit of the communities.
Ambassador Patricia Cortés emphasised that Colombia welcomes Venezuelan citizens forced to leave their country in solidarity and supports efforts to achieve orderly, safe and regulated migration.