[20210430]IF11029_委内瑞拉地区人道主义危机与2019冠状病毒疾病.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated April 30, 2021The Venezuela Regional Humanitarian Crisis and COVID-19The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Venezuela has elevated congressional concerns about the country, which remains in a deep crisis under the authoritarian rule of President Nicols Maduro. Even before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Venezuelans were facing a lack of food, medicine and health, and access to social services. Political persecution, hyperinflation, loss of income, and oppressive poverty also contributed to a dire situation. According to household surveys, the percentage of Venezuelans living in poverty increased from 48.4% in 2014 to 96% in 2019 (80% in extreme poverty). By the end of 2020, more than 7 million people were estimated to require humanitarian assistance, with pregnant and nursing women, those with chronic illnesses, indigenous people, migrants, children under five, and people with disabilities particularly in need. Food insecurity is a significant issue, mainly due to the price of food rather than its lack of availability. Many households do not have reliable access to potable water, and interruptions in electrical service