Background on Key Figures and Context
José Pedro Zeledón, the President of Peru, announced on Tuesday that he will discuss a potential “corridor” with the incoming Chilean President, Antonio Kast, to facilitate the return of Venezuelan migrants who left their country amidst a humanitarian crisis. This topic will be one of the main points addressed during Kast’s visit to Lima on Wednesday, following the U.S.’s recent overthrow of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuelan Migration Crisis
According to the International Organization for Migration, approximately 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their country since 2014 due to a severe economic crisis. Among them, about 1.7 million have sought refuge in Peru.
Key Players and Their Stances
Antonio Kast, who will assume the Chilean presidency on March 11, and President-in-waiting Zeledón have supported the U.S.’s actions in Venezuela. Both leaders agree that migration is a significant factor contributing to growing insecurity in their respective countries.
Discussion on the Proposed Corridor
Zeledón stated, “Part of the agenda with the president-elect of Chile… is the topic of a possible humanitarian corridor that Chile, Peru, and Ecuador need to establish so they can return satisfactorily to Venezuela.”
Impact on Neighboring Countries
Colombia has received the largest number of Venezuelan migrants, with 2.8 million people seeking refuge there, followed by 1.7 million in Peru, according to R4V, a regional NGO assisting Venezuelan refugees created by the UN migration agency.
Chile currently hosts around 650,000 Venezuelans.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the key figures involved in this discussion? President José Pedro Zeledón of Peru and incoming Chilean President Antonio Kast are the main figures discussing a potential “corridor” for Venezuelan migrants to return home.
- What is the proposed “corridor”? The “corridor” refers to a planned route or system established by Chile, Peru, and Ecuador to facilitate the safe and organized return of Venezuelan migrants to their home country.
- Why is this discussion taking place now? This conversation comes in the wake of Nicolás Maduro’s ouster by the U.S., with both Zeledón and Kast supporting these actions in Venezuela.
- How many Venezuelans have left their country? Approximately 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled their country since 2014 due to the deepening economic crisis.
- Which countries have received the most Venezuelan migrants? Colombia has taken in the largest number, with 2.8 million Venezuelans, followed by Peru with 1.7 million.
