Peru
In Peru, HI supports access to healthcare for Venezuelan refugees and is working to prevent the consequences of climate change in local communities.
A humanitarian staff talks with a program participant | Save the children
Our actions
For several years now, Peru has been a host country for Venezuelan migrants. The number of new arrivals rose sharply in 2018 and 2019. By 2023, there was an estimated 1.5 million Venezuelan migrants living in Peru. To support them, HI is running a project to improve their access to health services.
Our teams inform them of their rights and existing care pathways, and accompany them so that they can benefit from the necessary care services. In particular, we provide mental health and psychosocial support through individual and group discussion sessions. We also train health specialists to enhance their skills.
To address the high environmental risk in Peru, HI is deploying a project to support indigenous communities in the Loreto region in disaster prevention and risk reduction. By adopting an intersectional approach, we help to strengthen the participation of young people, women, and people with disabilities in local prevention policies, so that their specific needs are taken into account. Our teams also support local green initiatives, which help to strengthen the resilience of communities in the face of climate hazards and contribute to the preservation of their resources.
Areas of intervention
Latest stories
Peru: local and inclusive solutions to climate change
In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon and Andes regions, HI is empowering women, young people, and individuals with disabilities to combat the effects of climate change.
Ensuring equal rights for everyone in Latin America and the Caribbean
Based in seven countries in the region, HI has been growing its operations in the past few years to meet increasing humanitarian needs. We interviewed Nicola Momentè, HI’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
"We hope HI will continue to help more people"
Clara and her husband Juan fled Venezuela for Peru in September 2018. They are struggling to meet their food and health needs. Humanity & Inclusion is supporting them and their family.
a life
Background
Although Peru is experiencing significant economic growth, many people still live in poverty, as there are marked socio-economic inequalities.
Peru is a country with a varied geographical make-up and significant socio-economic inequalities. It is a "middle-income" country, with economic growth of around 6.6% over the past decade.
However, its economic policies have considerably reduced the presence of the state and the social sector, encouraging private investment and reducing legislation and rights. As a result, millions of people are trying to survive through various forms of precarious work and self-employment.
The country’s high levels of inequality lead to serious problems of social exclusion, discrimination and poverty. People with disabilities, and in particular women with disabilities, are affected even more as their level of access to education and employment remains much lower than the national average.
Furthermore, due to its geographical location, Peru is the Latin American country most affected by natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, landslides, etc.). Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is prone to strong seismic activity causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It sees floods during the rainy season and also suffers from periods of drought. According to the Peruvian government, 60% of the population is exposed to the risk of natural disasters.
In recent years, Peru has been hosting a growing number of Venezuelan refugees, and the humanitarian needs of this population have been increasing simultaneously.
Number of HI staff: 11
Program opened in: 2018
