Introduction
In 2026 Venezuela is in a transition phase, which is fragile and marked by uncertainty.
However, humanitarian needs remain severe and structural. Venezuela is a at a critical turning point as it continues to face a deep socio-economic crisis. Inflation erodes purchasing power, food insecurity remains acute. mental health and psychosocial distress are widespread and deepening; and protections risks are on the rise.
According to the UN (Venezuela | OCHA), there are 7.9 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. This figure might be much higher according to grassroots organisations. Around 56% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
Additionally, the strain on humanitarian resources is intensified by exposure to natural and human-induced hazards such as:
- floods
- landslides
- oil spills
- armed violence
The humanitarian crisis inside the country has created the largest exodus in Latin America’s recent history. Venezuela generates the highest number of refugees and others in need of international protection globally (UNHCR Global Trends Report 2025). Since 2015, nearly 8 million Venezuelans are displaced globally, with the majority – more than 6.7 million – hosted in Latin American and Caribbean countries. Venezuelans currently represent the second largest group of asylum seekers in the European Union, after Afghans.
However, since 2025 an increasing number of Venezuelans are returning to their country, voluntarily or forced (deportations).
Venezuela also ranks among the top 3 countries globally with the highest increase in human fragility, alongside North Korea and Libya (OECD, 2025).
Venezuela has been a forgotten crisis. In 2025 it was the second-least funded country Humanitarian Response Plan globally, with 17% only.
nearly 8 millionVenezuelans are displaced globally
40% of the populationexperience moderate to severe food insecurity
- around 56% of the population
are in extreme poverty
What are the needs?
Public services such as healthcare, water and sanitation, and education have collapsed, and basic goods are inaccessible for vulnerable population. An inflation of more than 500% and a currency depreciation of 478% in 2025 have impacted households’ purchasing power considerably.
Early preparedness for new displacement is essential to safeguard regional stability and mitigate potential spill-over risks.
Access to food and water
Food access remains difficult, with 40% of the population experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity (Venezuela | World Food Programme). The food crisis has an adverse impact on children’s nutrition. The price of the basic monthly food basket remains unaffordable for most families,.
In 2025, restrictions on access to drinking water affected some 62% of the population. The country has seen several widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases: measles, diphtheria, and malaria, most likely because preventative and vaccination programmes have been discontinued or have a very low coverage, and sanitary conditions have worsened.
Access to healthcare
70 % of the population lost access to health system services (public and private). Access to sexual and reproductive health services is extremely limited. Outbreaks of diseases such as malaria and dengue frequently affect the most vulnerable population.
Education
Up to 30% of school-aged children are not attending class regularly and 13% are outside of the education system. The mass exodus has also resulted in a lack of qualified education personnel – at least 200,000 teachers have left the country since 2017.
Violence and protection
Homicide and femicide rates are among the highest in the world (26.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023). The situation in border areas is of particular concern due to the presence of armed actors and criminal gangs resulting in increased violence. A total of 4.4 million people, including 1.4 million children, need protection assistance.
Violence and repression exponentially increase protection needs as well as emergency health needs.
How are we helping?
Since 2016, the EU has allocated over €572 million in humanitarian aid for the Venezuelan crisis (Venezuela and countries hosting displaced Venezuelans). For 2026, the humanitarian allocation for the Venezuela crisis, inside the country and in the region is €52 million, including € 2M to devote to disaster preparedness.
In 2025, the EU allocated €62.5 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the most urgent needs of Venezuelans. The funding helps assist Venezuelans in need both within the country and in neighbouring host countries.
Humanitarian funding
The funding inside the country prioritises the most vulnerable populations in humanitarian hotspots with a key focus on protection, health, nutrition, education in emergencies and disaster preparedness.
The assistance to refugees and displaced people focuses on emergency medical services, food assistance, the provision of legal information and support, protection initiatives (specifically against gender-based violence and human trafficking), education in emergencies, and shelter.
EU humanitarian assistance is delivered through UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the Red Cross movement. They implement projects covering the broad spectrum of humanitarian needs.
The aid focuses on addressing the most pressing needs of the population, targeting vulnerable groups in humanitarian hotspots such as children under 5 years (mainly nutrition) and children under 18 (comprehensive), pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, older people, and indigenous groups.
Last updated: 06/02/2026
