UNHCR helping people impacted by floods in Brazil

Panama, May 8, 2024 (UNHCR) – In response to the devastating floods in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partner organizations are working with local authorities and civil society to mitigate the effects of this disaster, helping displaced Brazilian nationals, refugees and migrants. 

Based on Federal Government data, UNHCR estimates that over 41,000 refugees and other people in need of international protection living in Rio Grande do Sul may have been directly or indirectly affected by the floods. These individuals have lost their homes, belongings and documents, with businesses and other income-generating activities destroyed by the waters. Rio Grande do Sul is one of the Brazilian states hosting the highest number of refugees and migrants, especially Venezuelans and Haitians, many of whom live in high-risk areas for floods.  

Due to difficulty accessing the most affected areas and seeking greater efficiency in its response, UNHCR is supporting the State Government of Rio Grande do Sul and the State Committee for Migrants and Refugees in assessing the impact of the floods and identifying the needs of these populations. 

UNHCR is also supporting communication with the various impacted communities so that refugees and migrants have access, in their language, to the information provided by Civil Defense and local authorities about protection recommendations and risks associated with the places where they live. 

At the same time, in São Leopoldo/RS, UNISINOS (a partner university of the UNHCR Sergio Vieira de Mello Chair) has converted part of its facilities into a temporary emergency shelter, currently providing support to about 1,300 Brazilian nationals, refugees, and migrants directly affected by the floods. 

UNHCR estimates that US$ 3.12 are needed to respond to the most urgent needs, including direct financial assistance to affected individuals and essential relief items.  

"UNHCR has strengthened coordination efforts with local partners, especially with governmental counterparts directly responsible for disaster relief response in Rio Grande do Sul. We are providing support within our means at this moment and to avoid duplication of efforts, thus contributing to greater efficiency of the response aimed at Brazilian, refugee, and migrant communities in the state," says Maria Eliana Barona, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Brazil. 

UNHCR deeply regrets the loss of lives resulting from this tragedy and the effects on the Brazilian, refugee, and migrant population. At the same time, it acknowledges the important work of two key partners in the state – SOS Children's Villages and Jesuit Service for Migrants and Refugees – whose teams and structures have also been severely impacted by the disaster and continue to work to provide immediate assistance and support to resident populations. 

The reality of climate change, evidenced by extreme events such as the torrential rains in Rio Grande do Sul, has caused loss of life and irreparable material damage to populations living with insecurity and uncertainty. 

Prior to the current scenario in Rio Grande do Sul, UNHCR has recently responded to other climate emergencies in Brazil, such as in Acre, Bahia, and Manaus. 

In April 2024, UNHCR launched its first-ever Climate Resilience Fund to reinforce the need to build the resilience of refugees, displaced communities, and their hosts to the increasing intensity of climate-change-related extreme weather events. 

To support UNHCR's response to the floods in Brazil, go to our donation page (in Portuguese) https://doar.acnur.org/page/ACNURBR/doe/enchentes-no-sul-do-brasil  

For more information, please contact: 

In Panama City: Luiz Fernando Godinho: [email protected] , +507.6356.0074 

In Brasilia: Miguel Pachioni: [email protected], +55 11 98875-3256