Ministers pledge aid package for vulnerable Venezuelans amid ‘deeply disturbing’ crisis
2 min read
Britain will provide £6.5m in new aid funding to help Venezuelans hit by food, medicine and water shortages, as their country's crisis continues, ministers have revealed.
International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt confirmed the UK would offer a package to treat malnourished children, and provide vaccinations and clean water to the most vulnerable communities.
The South American country has been plunged into chaos over an economic crisis which has led to hundreds of thousands of anti-Maduro protesters taking to the streets.
Socialist Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second term last month following disputed elections, leading to clashes between his supporters and those of opposition leader Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly.
Mr Guaidó has been recognised by several countries, including the UK and America, as Venezuela's rightful leader until fresh elections are held.
Mr Maduro has said he would not allow humanitarian aid into Venezuela, although yesterday Mr Guaidó said that some has made it through military blockades.
The UK’s cash will also offer those forced to flee the country, who are at greater risk of exploitation, access to personal documentation and information on how to access basic services, the department said.
Following the announcement of the funding, Ms Mordaunt said: “I am deeply disturbed by the awful scenes of suffering in Venezuela as a result of the Maduro regime’s reckless mismanagement, with families resorting to eating rotting food to try to survive.
“UK aid will provide life-saving treatment to malnourished children, immunisations against deadly diseases and access to clean water and sanitation.
“While the UK has stepped up by providing urgent relief, all parties must immediately recognise the severity of the crisis and allow unhindered access for aid agencies.”
Meanwhile Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt branded the country’s situation “desperate”, before taking aim at Jeremy Corbyn, who has remained tight-lipped on the country’s plight, but who has in the past expressed support for Mr Maduro.
“Virtually the only person who is sticking up for Maduro is Jeremy Corbyn and I don’t think anyone for the life of them can understand why he would do that, Mr Hunt told Sky News.
“The truth is what we’re looking at here is a young, very brave man, Juan Guaido who’s saying he wants to sort out the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, have free and fair elections which they didn’t have last year and I think any right thinking person would say we ought to support his efforts.”
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