Refugiados colombianos en Venezuela: Quince años en búsqueda de protección

Abstract

This research article aims to understand the situation of the Colombian refugees in Venezuela. Nearly 200,000 refugees have arrived in this country during the last 15 years, about 95% of which are Colombians3. In the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (1999), according to its constitution (1999), "the right of asylum and refuge is recognized and guaranteed", however only 3% (5,210) of people in need of international protection are recognized as refugees. The methodology implemented here is qualitative and utilises documental sources through a revision of public policies that focus on this population and research projects that characterize it. The article addresses the Colombian context, the history of migration of Colombians to Venezuela, shelter conditions in the destination country, the legal situation, the refugee process, naturalization, discrimination and access to basic services.