Lula affirms Brazil will remain open to receiving Venezuelan refugees
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated on Wednesday (Sep. 11) that Brazil will continue to welcome Venezuelan refugees. Speaking to Radio Norte FM in Manaus, Lula expressed hope that Venezuela would “return to normalcy,” alluding to the ongoing economic, social, and political crises in the neighboring country.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs [Mauro Vieira] has been directed by the Brazilian government to ensure that we treat those coming to Brazil out of necessity with the utmost respect,” said Lula. “As you know, human beings are somewhat nomadic—when they have no food or work, they seek other places to survive.”
“We must treat those arriving here with dignity, and the federal government is responsible for helping the state of Roraima provide for their education and well-being,” added the president. “We don't want these individuals to endure more hardship here after the struggles they faced in Venezuela.”
Lula stated that he plans to visit Roraima soon, where he will discuss the situation with Governor Antonio Denarium, though he did not specify a date.
Boa Vista and Pacaraima in Roraima serve as the primary entry points for Venezuelans seeking better living conditions in Brazil. To address the humanitarian needs at the border, the Brazilian government, in collaboration with over 120 national and international organizations, civil society, and private sector partners, is conducting Operation Welcome (Operação Acolhida).
According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency, Brazil saw 1,134,532 Venezuelan migrants enter the country between January 2017 and July 2024. Of this number, 532,773 have since departed.
