Colombian mayors sign manifesto against xenophobia and support Venezuelans

Mayors of 12 cities colombian, including those from Bogotá, Cúcuta and Pasto, signed a manifesto in which they reject xenophobia and support the integration of migrants venezuelans to link them to the country’s economy.

The initiative is promoted by United Nations Refugee Agency (Unhcr), through its campaign “We are Panas Colombia”, and the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales).

The Unhcr reported that so far the document has been endorsed by the presidents of Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Montería, Pereira, Popayán, Cúcuta, Arauca, Armenia, Florencia, Mocoa, Pasto and Sincelejo.

“The signing of this manifesto is an important milestone for the integration of refugees and migrants into Colombian society”, said UNHCR’s deputy representative in Colombia, Elizabeth Eyster.

The official added that capital cities “Without a doubt, they play a fundamental role in opening ways for them to contribute culturally, socially and economically.”

He stressed that with the signing of the document, the mayors also show their commitment to reject any discrimination and strengthen the paths of inclusion and that this will mean protection and well-being for both the Venezuelan people and the Colombian communities that have welcomed them.

For their part, the mayors said that they understand the situation in the country due to multiple factors, including the coronavirus pandemic.

“We understand that the situation we are experiencing is not, nor has it been easy, that both Colombians, refugees and migrants, suffer the harsh reality of unemployment; the anguish over access to health, education; the urgency of meeting basic needs”, They expressed.

Next they assure that they are “Also aware that only working together, shoulder to shoulder and with a view to protecting the rights of all and all”, it will “go ahead”.

For the mayor of Montería (north) and president of Asocapitales, Carlos Ordosgoitia, this means “Think about the other”.

“It is to seek, through those complexities that are experienced today, integral solutions to the development of the human being”, express.

According to Migración Colombia, in the country there are about two million Venezuelan migrants who are mainly in Bogotá (393,716), Medellín (148,714), Cúcuta (98,680), Barranquilla (93,321), Cali (84,160), Cartagena (50,026), Santa Marta (45,245) and Bucaramanga (41,460).

________________________________