UNHCR welcomes reopening of Brazil-Venezuela border after brief closure

Briefing notes

UNHCR welcomes reopening of Brazil-Venezuela border after brief closure

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson William Spindler – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

7 August 2018 Also available in:

Brazil. Venezuelans arrive in border city of Pacaraima

Venezuelans fleeing food shortages and instability arrive at a reception and documentation centre in Pacaraima on the Brazilian border.

UNHCR welcomes last night's decision of the Brazilian Supreme Court to overturn a decision by a Federal Judge in Roraima border state to suspend admission of Venezuelans to the country and close the border.

The Brazilian Government has till now ensured access to its territory for Venezuelan refugees and migrants in need of protection and provided them access to basic rights and services. UNHCR has been supporting the Government as it keeps the borders open and allows people to enter the country to find a safe place to restart their lives.

A UNHCR team remained on the Pacaraima border and continued to monitor the situation during the brief closure yesterday. They reported that some 210 Venezuelans were not able to finalize immigration procedures but were not deported. No pushbacks took place.

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