Venezuela's migrant crisis worsens amid economic collapse

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Venezuelan migrants face difficulties when entering bordering countries, including the risk of human trafficking, while attempting to flee from economic problems back home.

Since the oil price crash of 2014, hyperinflation forced at least 2.3 million Venezuelans to leave the country.

The conflicts between Venezuelan migrants and local residents caused Brazilian president Michel Temer to send the army in an attempt to ensure safety in the region two weeks ago.

Brazilian President Michel Temer announces Brazil is sending troops to reinforce security on the border with Venezuela, at Planalto Palace, August 28, 2018. /VCG Photo

On Tuesday, Temer signed a decree to deploy soldiers for two weeks along the federal roads of Roraima, which borders the south of Venezuela.

These soldiers will reportedly ensure the security of Brazilians as well as thee migrants from crisis-hit Venezuela.

And in Peru, Venezuelan migrants are required to provide passports instead of national ID cards to enter.

Venezuelan ten-month-old Maria (C) sits near her parents on the side of a road in Boa Vista, Roraima state, August 23, 2018. /VCG Photo

It's reported that Peru witnessed a 50 percent drop in the number of migrants on the first day the new rule was implemented.

Those who could not provide passports could only enter the country by seeking asylum.

Similar measures were taken in Ecuador, only to be overturned by a court ruling.

The exodus is more disastrous for those who want to seek new lives in Colombia, the north part of which borders their home country.

Eliana Balza, 19, shows her damaged Venezuelan identity card, after the Ecuadoran authorities banned her from entering the country, at the Ecuadoran migrations office at the Rumichaca International Bridge, in the border between Ipiales in Colombia and Tulcan in Ecuador, August 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

A report issued on Wednesday by The Ideas for Peace Foundation (FIP), said sex trafficking of Venezuelan migrants is particularly rife along Colombia's northern borders where criminal gangs and guerrilla groups are active.

"It's very difficult for Venezuelan migrants because they come across major illegal groups who take advantage of their vulnerability. We've heard several testimonies of the sexual exploitation and trafficking of women," Juan Carlos Garzon, head of the FIP, was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Child migrants are being trafficked into forced begging in Colombia, according to children's charity Terre des Hommes. The charity surveyed more than 900 people, mostly Venezuelan migrants, along with the border in August.

(With inputs from Agencies)