Unhcr Presence In Bolivia: Office Locations And Operations

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has a regional presence in Southern Latin America, with an office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that covers operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In Bolivia, the UNHCR works with the government and partners to guarantee the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, most of whom are from Venezuela. The organization provides basic goods and services, such as temporary accommodation, food, and hygiene kits, and supports the livelihoods of refugees and migrants through strengthening their autonomous businesses. In 2021, the UNHCR expanded its operational capacity in Bolivia by partnering with new organizations to provide assistance, protection, and livelihood support in major urban centers and border areas.

UNHCR's work in Bolivia

In 2021, UNHCR expanded its operational capacity in Bolivia by agreeing with new partners to provide assistance, protection and livelihood support in the main urban centres of La Paz, El Alto and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, as well as in the border areas of Desaguadero, Oruro, Pisiga, Villazón and Villamontes.

Bolivia is both a destination and a transit country for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for humanitarian response in terms of access to shelter, food, water, clothing and hygiene kits. UNHCR also aims to enhance refugees' and migrants' capacity to achieve socioeconomic independence in Bolivia.

UNHCR's multi-country office for Southern Latin America, based in Buenos Aires, covers operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The refugee crisis in Bolivia

Bolivia is covered by the UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Latin America, which is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While the country does not have its own UNHCR office, the organization works with the Bolivian government and partners to guarantee the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants. As of November 2022, Bolivia was hosting around 14,694 refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, with most of them originating from Venezuela.

The country remains a destination and transit hub for those seeking refuge and better opportunities. The UNHCR has expanded its operational capacity through agreements with new partners, providing assistance, protection, and livelihood support in major urban centers such as La Paz, El Alto, and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, as well as border areas. This support includes basic goods and services, such as temporary accommodation, food, and hygiene kits.

However, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for humanitarian response, particularly regarding access to shelter, food, water, clothing, and hygiene for those seeking refuge in Bolivia. The pandemic has also impacted independent monitoring of prison conditions, with restrictions imposed from March 2020 to March 2021.

One notable aspect of the refugee crisis in Bolivia involves the situation on its border with Chile. In March 2021, a humanitarian crisis was looming as growing numbers of Venezuelan migrants crossed the Chile-Bolivia border on foot, braving the harsh terrain of the Chilean altiplano. This surge in irregular crossings was attributed to economic instability and political turmoil in Venezuela, which has prompted millions to leave the country in recent years. Local authorities in border towns, such as Colchane, have struggled to accommodate the influx of migrants, leading to concerns about a humanitarian crisis.

While Bolivia faces challenges in addressing the refugee crisis, it has taken steps to cooperate with international organizations and provide protection and assistance to those seeking refuge within its borders.

UNHCR's presence in South America

UNHCR has a presence in several South American countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia. The organization works with governments and partners to guarantee the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, and to provide them with basic goods and services.

In Bolivia, UNHCR works with the government to guarantee the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, and to provide them with access to territory, asylum, and regularization. As of November 2022, Bolivia was hosting around 14,694 refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, most of them from Venezuela. UNHCR provides these individuals with temporary accommodation, food, and hygiene kits, and supports their livelihoods by strengthening their autonomous businesses. The organization also works to strengthen the humanitarian response in the country, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19, by improving access to shelter, food, water, clothing, and hygiene kits.

In Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru, UNHCR takes an area-based approach to maximize the efficient use of resources and meet the needs of refugees and migrants, while also contributing to the development of local communities. The organization ensures access to asylum, documentation, essential services, and inclusion in national social protection systems.

In Colombia, UNHCR advocates for government measures to address the structural causes of internal displacement and works with government institutions to implement measures that address the risk factors for displacement. The organization also supports the implementation of the Victims Law and takes a community-centered approach, empowering communities to identify risks and implement protective measures.

In El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, UNHCR prioritizes enhancing national protection systems and scaling up community-based protection through increased field presence in communities affected by violence or at risk of displacement. The organization also expands identification and referral mechanisms for those in need of protection and works closely with civil society and state institutions to strengthen communities' prevention and protection responses.

Overall, UNHCR's presence in South America is focused on seeking durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons, prioritizing protection interventions, humanitarian aid, and long-term solutions, including integration and resettlement.

The human rights situation in Bolivia

Bolivia is a constitutional, multi-party republic with an elected president and a bicameral legislature. The country has a national police force that is primarily responsible for law enforcement and the maintenance of order within the country. However, there have been credible reports of human rights abuses committed by members of the security forces, including torture, cruel and degrading treatment, arbitrary arrests, harsh prison conditions, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

The judiciary in Bolivia has also faced criticism for a lack of independence, with authorities failing to protect human rights defenders and victims of human rights violations awaiting reparation. Indigenous Peoples, in particular, have been affected by unregulated mining and a lack of government action to protect their rights.

The country has also faced challenges with freedom of expression and assembly, with journalists and media outlets facing threats and violence from state security forces. There have also been reports of government retaliation against media outlets that express dissenting opinions, including withholding advertising and imposing steep taxes.

In terms of asylum and refugee protection, Bolivia has a system in place to provide protection to refugees and works with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations. The country hosts refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, mainly from Venezuela, and provides them with access to territory, asylum, and regularization, as well as basic goods and services.

Overall, the human rights situation in Bolivia is complex and multifaceted, with both progress and challenges in various areas, including the rule of law, freedom of expression, and protection of vulnerable groups.

The role of the Bolivian government in addressing the refugee crisis

Bolivia, a landlocked country in the heart of South America, has a long history of welcoming refugees. Notably, during the Holocaust, the country opened its borders and welcomed 30,000 Jewish refugees from 1938 to 1941. This was made possible through the efforts of Bolivian consulates in European capitals, which provided visas to those seeking refuge. Today, the country is a destination and transit hub for asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, with approximately 14,694 individuals hosted as of 2022.

The Bolivian government actively cooperates with international organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to address the refugee crisis. The government works with these organizations to guarantee the rights of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, and to provide them with access to basic goods and services. This includes temporary accommodation, food, hygiene kits, and support for their livelihoods through strengthening their autonomous businesses.

Additionally, the Bolivian government has established a legal framework to accommodate and protect refugees. The country has a National Commission on Refugees and a registry system for refugees and stateless persons. Refugees are granted the right to work once they obtain residency status. The government also collaborates with organizations like the IOM to facilitate economic integration programs, supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners, particularly from the Venezuelan community.

Furthermore, Bolivia has been proactive in addressing the issue of climate refugees. The drying up of Lake Poopo, an important cultural resource, has led to the displacement of nearly a thousand people, forming shanty towns outside of La Paz. The government recognizes the impact of climate change and is committed to tackling this challenge with the support of regional and international partners.

However, it is important to note that Bolivia also faces challenges in managing its refugee population. The country experiences significant internal migration, with many people leaving rural areas in search of better job opportunities in cities. This internal migration coexists with emigration, as some segments of the population choose to leave the country. As a result, it is estimated that over 700,000 Bolivians live abroad, with Argentina being a primary destination.

Moreover, Bolivia has faced criticism for its handling of the political crisis in 2019, which led to the resignation of President Evo Morales. The interim government, led by Jeanine Áñez, was accused of human rights abuses and issuing a decree granting the military immunity from criminal prosecution for actions taken against protesters. The decree was later repealed due to international pressure and criticism.

In conclusion, the Bolivian government has played a significant role in addressing the refugee crisis by cooperating with international organizations, establishing a legal framework for refugee protection, and proactively addressing the issue of climate refugees. However, the country also faces challenges due to internal and external migration patterns and has faced criticism for its handling of political crises.

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