OCHA: Venezuela Humanitarian Fund Annual Report 2023
OCHA | Venezuela | April 6, 2024
LETTER FROM THE HC
As we launch the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) 2023 Annual Report, we are deeply grateful for the remarkable collective efforts that have played a pivotal role in saving lives, alleviating suffering, and fostering resilience among the Venezuelan people. The ongoing challenges have been met with the unwavering commitment of our donors, partners, authorities, communities, and staff, which has enabled us to respond proactively, bringing hope and relief to many families in need.
In 2023, record-breaking contributions for the VHF amounting to US$14.7 million, generously provided by 11 donors, became a beacon of support for those affected in Venezuela. This substantial funding facilitated the delivery of life-saving assistance and essential protection services, touching the lives of more than 130,000 vulnerable people.
Notably, 82 per cent of those assisted were women and children, underscoring our commitment to inclusivity and addressing the unique needs of different demographic groups.
In alignment with its vision paper, the Fund worked tirelessly to promote gender equality, fight gender-based violence, and provide essential sexual and reproductive health services to vulnerable women and girls. The Fund’s outreach has extended to some of the most marginalized people, including people with disabilities and indigenous communities in hard-to-reach areas.
Emerging as a beacon of effectiveness, the VHF has consistently delivered on the Grand Bargain’s commitments on localization. Our approach has been characterized by inclusiveness, with 57 per cent of our 52 eligible partners being national organizations. This deliberate inclusiveness has expanded our reach to the most vulnerable and underserved areas.
VHF has become a significant source of direct funding for Venezuelan organizations, allocating 72 per cent of its funds to national frontline responders. This not only reflects our commitment to empowering and investing in local and national responders but also reinforces our dedication to the localization agenda in Venezuela.
In 2023, the Fund broke new ground by facilitating humanitarian access in 17 municipalities, including remote areas with limited humanitarian presence. This achievement was made possible through close engagement and coordination with national and local authorities, with an emphasis on humanitarian leadership and coordination.
VHF allocations were aligned with critical gaps identified by the Humanitarian Country Team and ensured complementarity with the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) Underfunded window allocation. This approach ensured a multi-sector and holistic response to the most affected areas, maximizing impact and ensuring value for money.
As we move into the coming year, additional funding is critically required to further scale up our response and address critical issues outlined in the 2024-2025 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). We look forward to continuing to work with donor partners to identify opportunities to mobilize additional resources and raise the visibility of the Fund’s impactful work across the country. I am confident that more donors will join this collective effort.
As we look to the future, let us renew our commitment to stand with the people of Venezuela and strive to build a more inclusive and sustainable humanitarian response. In 2024, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen humanitarian coordination to deliver life-saving assistance that focuses on the most vulnerable and leaves no one behind. Thank you for your unwavering support on this transformative journey.
Sincerely,
Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro Humanitarian Coordinator for Venezuela
To download the report, please click here.