nlp-thedeep/humsetbias huggingface dataset:
Considering the small size or limited absorption capacity of the concerned Caribbean countries, the increasing numbers of refugees and migrants from Venezuela has had an impact on their host communities and put pressure on public services. Strains on national systems have been particularly evident in Guyana, where border and removte areas often lack the infrastructure necessary to receive refugees and migrants from Venezuela and returning Guyanese entering the country.
UNICEF continued to support Sports and Culture for Development  ( SC4D )  interventions that combine health education with antixenophobia and social cohesion initiatives for 150 children under 12 years old and 50 children between 13 18 years during the school holidays.
Through UNICEF's partnership with the MoSP and the two NGO's under the “Support for the delivery of prevention and communitybased referral services for migrants and host communities', seven community outreach exercises for migrants in Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been undertaken with the distribution of 184 packages of bi lingual information on the services provided by the CACs. This has included English/ Spanish medium training for 16 community stakeholders entitled “The law and you', and GBV prevention sessions for 20 migrant children.
Access to Information, Referrals and Legal Support: Partners in Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Dominican Republic provided information on regularization, asylum, documentation and rights to more than 10,100, 8,500, 680 and 121 refugees and migrants from Venezuela, respectively.
The lack of access to sufficient food and nutrition,148 safe drinking water and sanitation facilities149 has been identified as an important gap in Guyana, particularly in remote and border regions
Children from Venezuela and youth face challenges in accessing education across the Caribbean sub region, especially in nonSpanish speaking countries such as Aruba, Curaçao, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago. Even in countries where refugee and migrant children from Venezuela have official access to public primary and secondary schools, there are administrative, financial and language barriers that often prevent access to education in practice
Generally, lack of data on the country wide needs and the strain on government capacities in these areas are among the main challenges, which also impede the formulation of a national strategy. Given the limited availability of core WASH items in remote areas and their high price, many Venezuelan refugees and migrants, as well as returning Guyanese, cannot afford them and depend on humanitarian assistance.
In Guyana, access to justice is also limited in remote and border areas, where courts do not have regular sessions. Appropriate housing is another challenge faced by refugees and migrants from Venezuela, due to rental costs and requirements, lack of financial resources and documentation.
For instance, the price of school supplies, uniforms and transportation often discourages families to enrol their children in schools in Aruba, Curaçao and Guyana. Parents often lack awareness on enrolment procedures and, particularly in Guyana, schools lack the capacity to accommodate the increasing needs due to the outflows of refugees and migrants from Venezuela and returning Guyanese. Many teachers also lack capacity in working with second language learners and supporting language integration of students
In Guyana, the lack of livelihood opportunities and the limited availability and high cost of non food items have increased humanitarian needs of Venezuelans, especially those living in remote areas of the country. During the reporting period, partners provided food assistance to 88 Venezuelans in Regions 4 and 9 and non food items to 47 Venezuelans in Region 9. Partners also provided food assistance to 186 vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Aruba and the Dominican Republic.
d )  Domestic violence In the FGDs, some Venezuelan women mentioned that they are engaged in romantic relationships with their clients or other Guyanese men, some have children with them. Cases of domestic violence were reported, including emotional and physical abuse by Guyanese partners who at times perceive sex work as some form of infidelity. Those with children are much more likely to receive threats from their partners, such as they will take away their children and prohibit them from going back to Venezuela. During the rapid GBV assessment, some women shared information on the challenges faced by domestic violence survivors, whose husbands and fathers of their children are Guyanese, and who are unable to seek assistance from the authorities due to fear of retaliation. Some of them want to find protection for themselves and their children, either in Venezuela or any other country. However, the requirement of the exit permit signed by the father of the children is a big challenge for Venezuelan women to obtain.
ii. LGBTI community members During the rapid GBV assessment, a number of Guyanese organizations working on the protection of the rights of LGBTI community members were contacted, however, none of them is currently providing any support to Venezuelan or returning Guyanese LGBTI. During the FGDs and KII, questions on possible risks faced by Venezuelan or returning Guyanese who identify as LGBTI as well as barriers in accessing services were asked; however, the participants in the FGD and KII were unable to provide answers.
VIII. GBV prevention, mitigation and response capacity in the country Throughout the assessment, the need was identified to enhance the capacity at the national and local levels to efficiently implement mechanisms for GBV prevention, mitigation and response. There is a limited number of national and international GBV experts in Guyana who are involved in the response to the influx of Venezuelans and returning Guyanese. This situation leads to serious challenges in the development of tools for the collection of sex and age disaggregated data, provision of GBV lifesaving information, safe identification, referral pathways, standard operating procedures  ( SOPs ) , case management systems, provision of services, safety audits and mechanisms for complaints and feedback. Therefore, efforts need to be made to support the Government in ensuring the presence of more GBV experts in the response
d )  Access to justice In FGD sessions, both Venezuelan and Guyanese women indicated not reporting incidents of violence and criminality to the police for a variety of reasons. These include a lack of trust in the police in Guyana, language barriers, and the perception that police will request payment of approximately 20,000 Guyanese dollars  ( 96USD )  per incident. When asked about submitting reports on GBV incidents, Venezuelan women mentioned that these are not reported to the police as, allegedly, the police fails to conduct impartial criminal investigations against Venezuelans. They added that they also fear to be questioned, detained and deported, or to be subjected to retaliation by perpetrators of GBV. Additionally, information was shared in some of the FGD on serious criminal incidents allegedly committed by Guyanese policemen against Venezuelan women. In Port Kaituma, the police reported receiving no reports of incidents of sexual violence, but mostly reports on cell phone theft by Venezuelans. The police station currently has two  ( 2 )  female police officers to assist in addressing any reports made by Venezuelan women. According to the police officer in charge, there are some officers in the station who are able to understand Spanish. He added that it is not required to have an identity card or a temporary stay permit to report GBV incidents. He said that once the report is done, the survivor is escorted to the hospital to have a physical examination and receive proper treatment. The doctor has the obligation to report to the police if an incident of sexual violence has occurred. He could not confirm if Post Exposure Preventive  ( PEP )  kits and psychosocial support are available at the hospital. Probation officers stationed within the region provide some limited amount of psycho social support; however, there are no psychologist or psycho  social services available in Port Kaituma. He mentioned that hospitals in Georgetown have better capacity to respond to incidents of sexual violence. In Mabaruma, there are perceptions within the police that Venezuelans have started to create a negative impact on Mabaruma and its neighboring communities. Concerns were expressed about Venezuelans not blending into the host community, involvement in a small number of petty larcenies and sex work. The number of assaults has increased as well as the number of Venezuelans arriving on a daily basis, according to the police inspector. The language barrier and the constant flow of Venezuelans coming and going are a challenge for the police in adequately taking reports of GBV. The police inspector noted that no reports of GBV involving Venezuelans have been received
)  Access to safe shelter and WASH facilities In Georgetown, some Venezuelans are able to rent a house or apartment which they share with other family members, relatives, or friends. Others face a lot of challenges finding a place to spend the night. While efforts have been made by the Government for Venezuelans to have access to existing shelters, this is still limited. In Bartica, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, Venezuelans rent rooms in guest houses when they have the financial means. Otherwise, they live in abandoned buildings without electricity or running water, with no privacy for women and girls. A similar situation happens at the dock in Mabaruma where men, women and children are sharing a common and limited space and have no privacy at all. Women and girls are very much at risk in these improvised shelters. Hygiene and sanitation at the improvised shelter at the dock is problematic as many are using the water from the river for bathing, cooking, washing and disposal of human excreta. There were reports of water borne diseases such as diarrhea as well as cases of malaria and dengue fever
iii. Children In FGDs in Bartica and Port Kaituma, it was shared that Venezuelan children have on occasion been bullied in schools based on their nationality. They are also discriminated by Guyanese children when they do not have the resources to pay for the school uniforms, shoes, etc. Authorities in Port Kaituma expressed their concerns about an increasing number of children that are not enrolled in schools. The local authorities in Bartica mentioned that a total of 15 students of secondary school age have been assisted by the Government of Guyana with uniforms, school meals, books and transportation. Efforts are being made to conduct an assessment to obtain statistical data on the number of children not currently enrolled in school and to ensure that they too are assisted. Authorities are also in the process of constructing a new facility in Itaren Bam to house these new students and to reduce the cost of rent. According to information provided by the Senior School Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Education in Mabaruma, there are currently 108 Venezuelan children enrolled in schools in the Mabaruma area: 46 at Mabaruma Primary School; 36 at Wauna Primary School; and 26 at Whitewater Primary School. Of these numbers 45 are males enrolled and 63 are females enrolled. The language barrier has created a challenge in responding to any psycho social support needs of Venezuelan students. Identified potential cases requiring support are being referred to the Welfare Officer. The education sector in this area has had no reported cases of GBV involving Venezuelan students. However, cases of GBV involving children of the host community are known to be occurring but are not being reported. If the incident is reported such cases are very difficult to prosecute due to challenges in locating GBV survivors and perpetrators. Cases of pregnancies among girls as young as 12 years have been reported. There were reports shared at the FGDs of Venezuelan adolescent girls between 16 and 17 years old being victims of trafficking in persons in bars and brothels in Guyana, particularly in the mining areas. These adolescents usually travel alone and use fake identification cards to enter Guyana. Some children have been seen begging and involved in child labor in the towns and also in the mines. Incidents of parents mistreating their children and forcing them to work were shared in the FGD in Port Kaituma. However, no formal reports have been made to the Child Care Protection Officer in this location. There were reports also of incidents of sexual violence against Venezuelan girls and the various challenges faced by the parents in reporting these incidents to the police and having the alleged perpetrators brought to justice.
Relevant legal framework Guyana is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1976, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women  ( CEDAW )  1979, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 1990, the Inter American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women 1994, and the Inter American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women, known as the Convention of Belém do Pará, 1994 and the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime 2000 and its Additional Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, 2003. Additionally, Guyana has enacted national laws addressing GBV such as the Domestic Violence Act 1996; the Sexual Offences Act 2010; Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997; Criminal Law  ( Offences )  Act; Criminal Law  ( Procedure )  Act and the Constitution, Acts of Parliament and rules from the common law. The Sexual Offences Act 2010 recognizes as offences rape, sexual assault, sex trafficking, sexual offences in relation to children, sexual offences in relation to children, and sexual offences in relation to persons with mental impairment. The Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act was adopted on 7 April 2005 and remains Guyana ́s primary legislation to combat trafficking in persons. According to the Act, par. 2  ( k ) , trafficking in persons is defined as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of a person by means of the threat or use of force or other means of coercion or by abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or position of vulnerability, or by the giving or receiving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purposes of exploitation'. This Act was enacted in line with the requirements set by the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime  ( UNTOC )  2000 and its Additional Protocol. With regards to sex work, Section 356 of the Criminal Law  ( Offences )  Act No. 18 of 1893, typifies certain acts as a “common nuisance'. Section 356 states that “Everyone who commits any common nuisance which endangers the lives, safety or health of the public, or which injures the person of any individual, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and liable to imprisonment for two years.' This Section is used to justify the detention of sex workers in Guyana. Section 357 of the Act mentions that it is illegal to keep or manage a “common bawdy house', and those who are found guilty, are liable to imprisonment for two years. Homosexuality is criminalized in Sections 352 to 255 of the Criminal Law  ( Offences )  Act of Guyana.4
g )  Other at risk groups i. Indigenous  ( Warao )  During the GBV rapid assessment, information was shared on the movement of members, particularly families, of the Warao Indigenous Group from Venezuela to Guyana. Some of these families are being hosted by the Warao community in Mabaruma. Some other Warao families are staying in temporary shelters; like the one at the dock in Mabaruma were some Warao families were identified. The Warao has been known as “the boat people' in view of their lifelong and intimate connection to the water. The Warao continue to arrive in Marabuma and other territories in Guyana. Approximately 1,000 Warao indigenous community members have arrived in Mabaruma as Venezuela's crisis deepened. They use canoes as their way of transportation from Venezuela to Guyana. Some of them still travel regularly between the two countries  ( pendular movement )  while others arrived in Guyana with their families seeking mainly food and protection. Some Warao speak Spanish but the majority can only communicate in the Warao language. Regardless of Spanish language skills, language remains a significant barrier in Guyana as they are unable to communicate in English. According to the local government in Mabaruma, Warao indigenous group members who have arrived in Guyana have been provided with food, clothing and farming tools. Although some have been offered parcels of land for settlement, many are still living in poor conditions, while others have not been vaccinated since their arrival  ( over 4 months ago ) . It was reported that the Warao are highly exposed to labor exploitation in Guyana as well as to survival sex and human trafficking.
b )  Security In some of the FGDs, participants reported the presence of armed groups and criminal gangs on both sides of the border between Venezuela and Guyana. Reportedly, these groups and gangs are involved in black markets related to contraband fuel and illegal mining. Some Venezuelans also mentioned that they are robbed when leaving Venezuela and also when entering Guyana. In Port Kaituma, concerns about the rise of the number of Venezuelans committing criminal activities, and Venezuelan women engaging in sex work were shared by the local authorities. They also indicated that the number of Venezuelan women arriving in the town was higher than the number of men, due to the already existing sex work business in the town and the mining area. In terms of general crime, the police station in Port Kaituma stated that they mostly receive reports from Guyanese nationals regarding cellphone thefts allegedly committed by Venezuelan nationals. In Mabaruma, authorities report the presence of smuggling, including drugs and small arms, as well as piracy. Local authorities believe some Venezuelan women are crossing into Guyana at night to avoid being detected by immigration authorities. In a meeting with the police, it was highlighted that there are not enough human resources to adequately patrol the border between the two countries. As a result there is a fear on the part of the security forces that anyone, even those with serious criminal records, can slip in. There is a great deal of concern about the inadequate capacity to screen the Venezuelans that are coming into the country. In one illustrative example recently, 140 Venezuelans were able to purchase tickets at G$3,000 each  ( 14.38USD ) , to take the ferry to Georgetown. This incident served to increase tensions since locals were unable to secure spots on the ferry and also because the police were not comfortable with the Venezuelans going to Georgetown, as they were not properly screened. Hence a report was made to the concerned authorities resulting in the ferry being met upon docking in Georgetown and the group being held. The Government has taken measures to control the movement of Venezuelans in the country by not allowing them to travel from other areas in the country to Georgetown unless they have family members in the capital who can provide support to them mainly with food, shelter, and livelihoods. The practical implementation of these measures still needs to be clarified.
c )  Perceptions, discrimination and xenophobia Some of the local authorities in some of the visited locations mentioned during individual interviews that the rate of sexually transmitted infections is increasing due to Venezuelan women arriving in the country. Moreover, they mentioned that some host community members were complaining about the Venezuelans coming into town with a totally different culture, language and traditions and Venezuelan women dressing provocatively. There is a general perception that Venezuelan women are engaged in sex work because “they like it and want to do that'. Some other authorities expressed concerns about the exacerbation of tensions and discrimination towards Venezuelans, particularly in border areas as a consequence of a longstanding territorial dispute between the two countries. Service providers in Bartica mentioned that some host community members believe that “Venezuelans live like celebrities', they do not interact with the community like the Brazilians used to do. This is resented by the community, as they believe Venezuelans prefer to stay in groups. Venezuelans do not feel welcomed by Guyanese; they resent them and believe that when Guyanese arrived to their country they welcomed them but now they are not well received. Venezuelan women expressed that they are harassed and touched when walking on the streets by Guyanese men. Also, Guyanese women allegedly insult them on the streets saying that they will return them in coffins and accusing them of stealing their husbands and breaking up families. They spray them with air freshener saying “Venezuelans out'. One Venezuelan woman, shared her testimony that a Guyanese women called the police because she was bathing at the same beach. Venezuelan men are accused of being rapists. All of this is negatively affecting Venezuelans, especially women and girls, who do not feel safe and are emotionally affected by the stigma as well as the discrimination and xenophobic sentiments directed towards them by the host community.
The current crisis may exacerbate vulnerabilities that already exist in the region, such as the case of Venezuelan migrants,1 who are the focus of study of this document. This population consists of 5.4 million people, including 4.2 million currently living in 9 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean  ( Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago ) ,2 who have been severely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic and whose economies have been impacted by containment measures.
Guyana reported 5,406 total cases, 863 active cases and moved to 150 deaths.
The need for proper hygiene, and funding remained priority, and health facilities were overwhelmed with medical professionals stretched to capacity. Discrimination and xenophobia against Venezuelans continued to be reported.
Public schools which also serve refugees and migrants, reopened countrywide to facilitate students for exam preparations, even as the pandemic continued to plague all ten regions of Guyana.
Several of the findings of this note show that LAC countries have employed the components of social protection by using programs of social assistance, social security, and the labor market to protect the affected population. Nevertheless, as of October 2020, there are few government programs that include the Venezuelan migrant population, being mostly social assistance programs, and, when they do, it is almost always those who have legal migratory status in the country
Guyana's re opening of airports resulted in the entry of persons that tested positive for Covid 19. Although negative tests were required to enter the country, results were available 24 hours aŌer landing. All returnees were expected to self quarantine for seven days aŌer return. Additionally, Venezuelans requests for rent subsidies increased, and unemployment rates escalated even as businesses operated at limited capacity, fuelling more demands for food security and shelter
Education In total, 20 per cent of persons interviewed said their children do not have access to education.
Among the Venezuelans entering Guyana, members of the Warao indigenous community have been identified, some of which have been forced to leave their country and are settling with their families in Guyana seeking protection.
There is a shortage of clean water; people collect rainwater or collect it from a nearby creek. Open defecation and contamination of water sources is also a concern.
The Unit has been able to offer limited psychosocial support in Georgetown area through a bilingual individual.
When asked if they possessed identification documents, 87 per cent of those interviewed responded positively. In Region 1, Barima Waini, 84 per cent of interviewees responded positively compared to 97 per cent who have identification documents in Georgetown.
It was reported that the Warao are highly exposed to labor exploitation in Guyana as well as to survival sex and human trafficking.
In Region 4, 33 per cent of persons interviewed were unemployed. However, 53 per cent of those interviewed are employed
98 per cent responded negatively when asked if they had experienced some form of violence during their trip.
23 per cent of the population in mobility experienced some form of discrimination. In Region 1, 14 per cent experienced discrimination compared to 50 per cent in Georgetown
Representatives from UNHCR, UNICEF, UNFPA and PAHO/WHO are regularly in attendance, along with members of the Guyana Ministries of Immigration, Foreign Affairs, Public Health, Education, Social Protection and the Civil Defence Commission. Through a 3 month agreement with UNHCR, GRC has also supported efforts to register migrants seeking asylum in Guyana.
Using space at the GRC headquarters in Georgetown, GRC staff support UNHCR officials once a week in interviewing migrants and filling out registration forms. More than 50 migrants have registered at the office so far in 2019, a majority of whom are females from Cuba or from a variety of African countries.
One woman noted that since they arrived in Guyana, they have had insufficient food, NFIs, and no latrine/bathroom. They live in a poorly constructed house made of sticks and sleep on the floor or ground.
The Toshao noted that access to health care is acceptable, and certainly better than in Venezuela. He raised attention to a Guyanese returnee woman  ( head of household )  who has 7 daughters and two sons and is relying on the support of the host community.
The Toshao noted that their food provisions by the government are not sufficient to meet the size of the community and suggested that for income generation / food security, they would benefit from support to harvest peanuts, ginger, and cassava.
they mentioned that some host community members were complaining about the Venezuelans coming into town with a totally different culture, language and traditions and Venezuelan women dressing provocatively.
No information campaigns in Spanish on available health services, health care and sexual and reproductive health  ( SRH )  have taken place.
They are using the same dark waters for drinking, cooking and bathing. Lack of potable water is a major problem for residents.
Only 3 out of 72 children are enrolled in school. The host community is comprised of 59 families  ( 175 people ) . The church benefits from the Pentecostal Live Spring Church, and the church may provide other services.
Most earn a living from fishing and working in cabbage production. Generally, the Venezuelan families live apart from the Guyanese families
Two families had arrived earlier the said day of the team's visit and expect that at least 10 more will join them in Yarakita in the coming days. Shelters are needed for these newly arriving families.
Some Warao speak Spanish but the majority can only communicate in the Warao language. Regardless of Spanish language skills, language remains a significant barrier in Guyana as they are unable to communicate in English.
One thousand sixty six  ( 1,066 )  migrants were documented during this mission, of this amount six hundred and nineteen  ( 619 )  are adults and four hundred and forty seven  ( 447 )  are children. Fifty five adults are considered elderly persons  ( aged 55 years and older )  while fifty six  ( 56 )  infants  ( 1 year and younger )  make up the children population.
This mission established that there is a total of 1066 Venezuelan migrants in in the communities assessed. Of this amount, 50.46% or 538 are males while 47.65% or 508 are females. 41.93% 447 of the total population are children while 5.15% or 55 persons of the total population are elderly adults  ( 55 years and older ) .
The interviewed population mostly travelled in groups  ( 58% in Region 2 and 71% in Region 7 ) . 86 per cent of those interviewed in Region 7 travelled without family compared to 63 per cent in Region 2. In contrast, 37 per cent travelled with family members in Region 2 in comparison to 14 per cent in Region 7.
In Region 2 and Region 7, most of the interviewees possessed secondary education  ( 46% in Region 2 and 51% in Region 7 ) . In Region 2, 17 per cent has completed higher technical school, 14 per cent middle technical education, 16 per cent have only completed primary school and 6 per cent have university education. In Region 7, 12 per cent possess higher technical education, 12 per cent have completed middle technical, 12 per cent primary school and 2 per cent university level education. Only 1 per cent of the interviewed population did not complete any formal education.
Overall, 34 per cent of Venezuelans interviewed are without regular migration status, 50 per cent have the Government of Guyana stay permit, while 8 per cent of Venezuelans nationals interviewed have double nationality. Of those that indicated that they have Guyanese nationality, 12 per cent do not have documentation to prove such, 18 per cent claimed to have stay permits and 70 per cent have both double nationality  ( Guyana and Venezuelan ) .
A total of 98 per cent of persons interviewed stated that Guyana was their intended destination while one per cent mentioned Venezuela and less than one per cent selected Brazil. Of those interviewed, 36 per cent selected Region 1 as their intended destination; 34 per cent specifically identified Georgetown in Region 4; 25 per cent selected Region 4, Demerara Mahaica, and 2 per cent identified Essequibo Island West Demerara  ( Region 3 )  as their intended destination.
In Region 4, 29 per cent of respondents selected document assistance as their most important need. Income generation or employment was selected by 27 per cent followed by medical care  ( 9% ) . When asked about their second most important need, income generation or employment was chosen by the majority  ( 32% ) , then education and training  ( 22% )  and legal assistance  ( 10% ) .
A total of 99 per cent of persons interviewed stated Guyana as their final destination. Of those interviewed in Region 4, 92 per cent declared Georgetown and 7 per cent Essequibo Islands as their cities of final destination. The clear majority  ( 98% )  of individuals interviewed in Region 1 declared Barima Waini as their final destination.
Communities raised health concerns including vomiting, diarrhoea, malaria, coughing and cold/flu symptoms. Multiple children showed signs of malnutrition or parasites. STDs may also be a serious risk.
153 Venezuelans were counted. Most have been in Khan's Hill for around 1 year, but some families had arrived just a few months.  ( Approx. 24 people arrived 3 months ago ) . Most did not have any forms of identification. Many are from the Delta Amakuro region in Venezuela.
Overall, 95 percent of the interviewed population are Venezuelans  ( 33% Male and 67% Female )  while 5 per cent are returning Guyanese  ( 27% Male and 73% Female ) .
In both Region 2 and Region 7, most interviewees are single. In Region 2, approximately 65 per cent are single compare to 84 per cent in Region 7. In Region 2, 34 per cent are married, cohabitating or in a free union relationship in comparison to 16 per cent in Region 7.
During the GBV rapid assessment, information was shared on the movement of members, particularly families, of the Warao Indigenous Group from Venezuela to Guyana. Some of these families are being hosted by the Warao community in Mabaruma. Some other Warao families are staying in temporary shelters; like the one at the dock in Mabaruma were some Warao families were identified.
Approximately 1,000 Warao indigenous community members have arrived in Mabaruma as Venezuela's crisis deepened. They use canoes as their way of transportation from Venezuela to Guyana. Some of them still travel regularly between the two countries  ( pendular movement )  while others arrived in Guyana with their families seeking mainly food and protection.
According to information provided by the Senior School Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Education in Mabaruma, there are currently 108 Venezuelan children enrolled in schools in the Mabaruma area: 46 at Mabaruma Primary School; 36 at Wauna Primary School; and 26 at Whitewater Primary School. Of these numbers 45 are males enrolled and 63 are females enrolled.
Efforts are being made to conduct an assessment to obtain statistical data on the number of children not currently enrolled in school and to ensure that they too are assisted. Authorities are also in the process of constructing a new facility in Itaren Bam to house these new students and to reduce the cost of rent.
Individuals also raised concerns about distance and accessibility of immigration services and lacked clarity on the process for renewing the 3 month stay permit  ( including requisite documentation, locations to carry out the process, and cost ) . To these concerns, clarity was provided by the immigration officer and other members of the assessment team.
Access to safe drinking water and latrines is a key issue in all of the host communities in this region. Many communities rely on the rivers or creeks for access to drinking water; in some area's contamination of the fresh water and salinity levels further adds to the challenge of accessing safe potable water.
The immigration office mentioned that approximately 52 Venezuelans have been assisted this year with 90 day temporary stay permits one of which was granted for a period of 1 year  ( not verified ) . Currently stay permit request forms are being processed in Bartica and not taken by the immigration authorities to Georgetown for processing. This is a new measure introduced by the Government in 2019 which helps Venezuelans to have their permits renewed, considering that not all of them have the means to travel to Georgetown every three months to do the process. It is important to highlight that the stay permit does not entitle Venezuelans to legally work in the country; a work permit is still required by the national law. Those that do not possess a work permit are most likely to end up in situations of sexual and labor exploitation.
Some Warao indigenous community members possess identification cards and were able to apply for a 90 day stay permit with the immigration authorities in Guyana. However, some of them do not have any identification cards and have not applied for a temporary stay permit.
In some of the FGDs, participants reported the presence of armed groups and criminal gangs on both sides of the border between Venezuela and Guyana. Reportedly, these groups and gangs are involved in black markets related to contraband fuel and illegal mining. Some Venezuelans also mentioned that they are robbed when leaving Venezuela and also when entering Guyana.
▪ Previous information received suggested that the migrants at Kumaka were actually migrants based at Khan's Hill frequenting the Kumaka area in search of employment. This was debunked after 124 Venezuelans were unexpectedly counted and documented; these persons are living at the Kumaka Landing and in the Amerindian Hostel at Kumaka. This suggests that substantial numbers of Venezuelans or returning Guyanese could be present in multiple other communities in the Region, although they may not be visible
A significant number of Venezuelans and returning Guyanese have their families still in Venezuela, therefore many of them regularly travel back and forth between the two countries  ( pendular movement )  or send medicines, food and other supplies with acquaintances or friends
In Region 2, 70 per cent of the interviewed population is sending money back to their country of origin while in Region 7, 81 per cent is sending money. 18 per cent of mobile population in Region 2 is sending food and 11 per cent medicine. In Region 7, 11 per cent is sending food and 8 per cent medicine.
At least two households noted that they attempted to register with Immigration for a stay permit but were unsuccessful because they do not have a cedula  ( documents ) . They do not wish to be in Guyana with illegal status and fear that they could be deported. Another household had received conflicting advice on whether or not they could renew the stay permits in Mabaruma, or if they had to travel to Georgetown which is very costly and unattainable for them.
In the area of nutrition, thirty two per cent of those interviewed in Region 7 do not have access to food compared to forty per cent of those interviewed in Region 2.
Discrimination Interviewees were also asked if they experienced any form of discrimination during their journey. In Region 2, 21% responded “yes' in comparison to 18 per cent that responded “yes' in Region 7.
Some shelters are precariously built and should be built on raised platforms.
He is concerned that one small group left for the mines and never came back.
Warao indigenous community members travel with their families by canoe to Region 1, particularly to Mabaruma area where some of them are hosted by members of the same community in Guyana.
pregnant women are not accessing medical services on a regular basis, mainly due to lack of information that services are free of charge and fear of detention when they do not have their temporary resident permit. Other Venezuelan women mentioned that they do not approach the services because social workers in health facilities treat them as criminals and discriminate against those engaged in survival sex.
In terms of nationality, 20 per cent of those that experienced some form of discrimination are Venezuelans while 9 per cent are returning Guyanese. In total, 19 per cent of interviewed population experienced discrimination  ( both Venezuelans and Guyanese that lived in Venezuela )  and both groups cited their nationality as the reason for discrimination.
Education Eleven per cent  ( 67 interviewed population travelled with children that requires access to education, yet 75 per cent  ( 50 individuals )  do not have access to education.
Health concerns are vomiting and diarrhoea. A health worker from Mabaruma usually visits the community. A health team visited during the week of February 4 10, 2019 and provided vaccinations. They received Non Food Items and hygiene kits  ( provided by CDC / IOM )  but there were not enough to provide to all community members, and more is needed.
Based on the interviews conducted in Region 4, 11 per cent of Venezuelan nationals travelling to Georgetown from their country of origin paid between 200 and 300 USD to arrive; 2 per cent indicated that they paid more than 400 USD, however 54 per cent did not give an answer. The primary mode of transportation used to travel to Region 4 was by boat  ( 96% ) .
In contrast, 66 per cent of interviewees in Region 4 are employed while 17 per cent are unemployed. In addition, 14 per cent of the interviewed population work independently while 2% are currently studying.
Sixty six per cent of surveyed individuals mentioned that they lacked access to health services in Region 1 compared to 62 per cent in Region 4.
Based on interviews conducted in Region 2, 75 per cent of Venezuelan nationals and returning Guyanese that travelled to Pomeroon Supenaam paid between 200 300 USD to arrive in Guyana. For Region 7, the cost for 73 per cent that travelled to Cuyuni Mazaruni paid between 100  200 USD to arrive in Guyana.
One of the challenges is that most of the staff working in the health facilities speak only English. However, some Guyanese doctors that studied in Cuba or Cuban doctors working in Guyana are able to assist some of the Venezuelans in Georgetown. In terms of psychologists and psychiatrists, there are also limitations in the language with very few psychologists in Georgetown that speak Spanish
Non Food Items  ( 59% ) , Food  ( 21% ) , Income generating or employment  ( 23% )  and Education and training  ( 22% )  were again among the top needs of the interviewed population in Region 7. In comparison, Non Food Items  ( 26% ) , Shelter and accommodation  ( 21% )  and food items  ( 15% )  were the top needs selected among the interviewees.
During this brief visit, 51 Venezuelans and returning Guyanese were counted.
Of those interviewed in Region 2, 97 per cent indicated that they received payments for work done compared to 99 per cent in Region 7. forty four per cent of the interviewed population in Region 7 is sending resources back to their country of origin compared to 25 per cent of those interviewed in Region 2.
in some of the visited locations mentioned during individual interviews that the rate of sexually transmitted infections is increasing due to Venezuelan women arriving in the country.
Some other authorities expressed concerns about the exacerbation of tensions and discrimination towards Venezuelans, particularly in border areas as a consequence of a longstanding territorial dispute between the two countries.
Guyana possesses limited capacities to absorb a large influx of Venezuelans and returning Guyanese and provide adequate services, including for GBV prevention, mitigation and response.
Venezuelan women expressed that they are harassed and touched when walking on the streets by Guyanese men.
Participants, both Venezuelans and Guyanese, mentioned that the main reasons to leave Venezuela were the economic crisis in the country, the scarcity of food and medicines, the limited accessibility and availability of medical treatments for chronic diseases, insecurity, corruption, individual threats, kidnapping, extortion, robberies, among others.
In 2018, in collaboration with World Health Organization  ( WHO ) , training on psychosocial support was provided to more than 300 staff, doctors, nurses and social workers. Some of them were from Mabaruma in Region 1 and speak English and Amerindian languages fluently
Language barrier o Education of migrant children
Lack of clarity on procedures for regularization of migrants  ( visa extension, work permits, birth certificates, etc )  and source documents  ( IDs )
The upraising xenophobia among nationals against migrants. Therefore, the importance of raising awareness and educating for Guyanese about migration and integration of migrant population as durable solution
However, food, income generating activities and shelter are still priorities to be addressed. T
Guyana indigenous leaders  ( Toshaos )  are providing them land for the construction of houses.
However, food, sanitation, livelihood  ( materials for farming, fishing, crafts' manufacturing )  and specific construction supplies are still some of the main needs.
Economic activity in the country is limited and the influx of Venezuelans is adding stress to the system. Venezuelan women and men are looking for work and are willing to work for much less than the Guyanese. They are constantly exposed to labor exploitation such as long working hours, low or unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, no rest or holiday, verbal or physical abuse and sexual harassment. The lack of formal economic opportunities is forcing the Venezuelans, particularly women, to turn to sex work.
Other Venezuelan communities coming from urban areas are actually facing specific protection needs related to settling in port areas where shelter  ( temporary accommodation ) , abuse and exploitation  ( low wages for informal jobs, prostitution, etc )  are among main concerns.
IOM organized a shelter management training to raise awareness about sectoral principles and standards, including the identification of roles and responsibilities and the use of global tools to ensure that national authorities are able to make an informed decision in this regard.
In Guyana, the migrants are able to access food, medical services and other basic amenities that are presently unavailable to them in Venezuela.
Venezuelans and returning Guyanese raised the need for legal status and documentation.
The population fled Venezuela for a variety of political, economic, and protection concerns, and none stated that they would be able to return to Venezuela in the near future.
Through the ongoing project implemented by GWI  ( Guyana Water Incorporated ) , WASH infrastructure currently is being installed in a further four communities during June, additional to the two communities reported on in May. Nine family VIP latrines catering for 157 migrants and 65 host community persons  ( 50:50 male to female, 30% children )  with 6 Rain Water Harvesting  ( RWH )  units were completed in the June reporting period, with works continuing during July for a further 43 VIP latrines with the project providing chainsaw fuel and lumber for a host community led initiative that will enable greater levels of infrastructure provision beyond original plans.
According to official sources, there have been 8,319 official migrant entries from April 2018 to June 2019  ( 30 per cent children ) . Based on DTM rounds and UN estimates, the forecast is to see approx. 60,000 new migrants entering Guyana by the end of 2019. With an open door policy, migrants receive a 90 day entry visa when presenting themselves to immigration authorities or reached by the immigration department mobile registration teams. Once registered, the official position is that migrants have access to services such as health care and education.
In addition to perceived vulnerability to deportation due to irregular migration status, some Venezuelan migrants raised concerns about sexual and gender  based violence within some migrant families.
Individuals noted that they feel safer in Guyana than Venezuela, and none reported serious fear for their physical safety. However, some noted that they have faced discrimination  ( particularly in receiving significantly lower pay for work compared to the locals ) . Some also reported to team members, instances of harassment due to their status as “foreigners,' and tension among children in classrooms.
In Mabaruma, there are perceptions within the police that Venezuelans have started to create a negative impact on Mabaruma and its neighboring communities. Concerns were expressed about Venezuelans not blending into the host community, involvement in a small number of petty larcenies and sex work.
Multiple families have attempted school enrolment but been turned away because they did not have the requisite documents, suggesting that clarity and consistency on school enrolment procedures is needed by the Ministry of Education.
31 of the 32 documented migrant children are not attending school in Guyana. There is a need for active activities for children, such as sports, and early childhood development activities.
In Guyana, 787 Venezuelans were immunized and vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella  ( MMR ) , Yellow Fever and diphtheria before being granted stay permits.
In Guyana, the number of cases reported in 2019 nationally as of EW 39 of 2019 represents a slight increase  ( 1% )  compared with the same period in 2018. In contrast, Regions 7 and 8 reported increases of 51% and 23 %, respectively.
In many remote areas in Guyana, logistical challenges to procure and transport food has also resulted in limited supplies being available to the population, including refugees and migrants from Venezuela. Limited access to land for farming and to produce food makes it difficult for partners to develop a longer term food access strategy.
Several Caribbean countries have increased their engagement and coordination with RMRP partners and, notably, the Government of Guyana set up an ad hoc coordination mechanism to facilitate the joint response of the government, civil society and international community to address the needs of refugees and migrants from Venezuela and returning Guyanese, as well as host communities.