The UN has stated that the humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains dire as no fewer than eight million people in the country require support.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Monday that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs had been working to address the situation.
“At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people in Venezuela were found to need urgent support. This is the equivalent of more than a quarter of the country’s population.
“We, along with our humanitarian partners, under the leadership of the resident and humanitarian coordinator in Venezuela, are assessing the situation, focusing on providing support as needed.
“We continue to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including food, health care and protection services,’’ he said.
Mr Dujarric said that the UN restated the importance of respect for international law, the need to protect civilians, and the preservation of humanitarian operational continuity.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “large-scale strike” and rendition of his Venezuelan counterpart on Saturday, later stating the U.S. would now “run the country” until a transition could be secured.
Venezuela characterised the operation as blatant military aggression and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, posing a threat to international and regional peace and security.
Mr Dujarric, however, said that assistance to the country could be delivered in line with humanitarian principles, noting that funding is also critical.
He said the Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela remained critically underfunded.
“In 2025, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world. More support is urgently needed to keep life-saving aid reaching the most vulnerable,’’ he said.
Mr Dujarric also briefed journalists on the remarks of secretary-general Antonio Guterres to the Security Council regarding the situation in Venezuela.
(NAN)