Today, the United States announced new humanitarian assistance to support Venezuelans in Colombia, who are fleeing desperate poverty, hunger, and tyranny in their home country. In partnership with Colombia, this initial, and immediate commitment of $2.5 million will provide emergency food and health assistance for vulnerable Venezuelans and the Colombian communities who are hosting them.

The influx of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans has strained the medical and social services of Colombian border communities and others throughout the Western Hemisphere. Regrettably, this crisis in Venezuela, which is now spilling into the broader region, is man-made - the result of continued political mismanagement and corruption by the Maduro regime.

Unfortunately, even as people are suffering every day from hunger, lack of basic necessities, and preventable diseases, the Maduro regime continues to deny fundamental freedoms and access to basic humanitarian needs to the people of Venezuela. These delusional and inhumane policies by the Maduro regime have exacerbated an avoidable humanitarian crisis.

The United States will continue to support the people of Venezuela. We are proud to partner with Colombia, the Pan American Health Organization, and United Nations World Food Programme to help relieve the suffering of people and communities affected by this deteriorating humanitarian situation.