On 28 October in Brussels, EU High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini officially opened, together with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and António Vitorino, Director General of IOM, the two-day International Solidarity Conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis.

"We are here to mobilise and to join forces globally on one of the most dramatic crises of our times“, Mogherini said to the 4.5 million Venezuelans who are in need and are calling for the international community to support and to help.

The European Union and its Member States have so far provided more than EUR 320 million in assistance inside Venezuela as well as in the region since 2016.

"We are ready to continue doing our part in the months and years to come,“ Mogherini stressed.

"But this is a moment for us all to do more and to show you that we will not leave you alone in times of need“, the High Representative emphasised, calling on others to join hands in this solidarity.

Venezuelan refugees and migrants sometimes walk for days and weeks to find shelter and safety. Humanitarian aid, integration work as well as support to the communities hosting them is of crucial importance

/file/international-solidarity-conference-venezuelan-refugee-and-migrant-crisis-opening-video_enInternational solidarity conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis opening video Video of International solidarity conference on the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis opening video

Mogherini called for a "collective mobilisation“ from governments and businesses; international organisations and civil society; countries from the region and from the whole world.

She commended the countries in the region for having joined forces through the Quito Process and who demonstrate multilateralism in practice.

The High Representative reminded that it was the first time that the international community gathered outside of the Americas to show solidarity towards Venezuelans and their host communities.

“It is the first time, and let me say that it will not be the last“, she added.

Mogherini concluded by sending a message of hope to the Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host communities: "We will continue to stand on your side – financially, technically and politically. You can count on us.“