Venezuela continues to navigate complex economic and political developments which are affecting vulnerable people’s needs. At the start of this year, some 7.9 million people were found to need urgent support.  

Persistent gaps in basic services—including healthcare, water, education, and energy—remain among the most critical needs for vulnerable people. Access to social protection, livelihood support, and income-generating opportunities is limited, particularly for women, children, older people, people with disabilities, indigenous communities, people on the move, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

A prolonged escalation of tensions could deepen already fragile socio-economic conditions, raise protection concerns, significantly increase humanitarian needs, and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable. In addition, limited fiscal space continues to restrict investment in social programs and inflation is eroding livelihoods among the most vulnerable populations.

The growing influx of Venezuelans returning home, driven by recent changes in migration policy in host countries, is placing an additional strain on the already overstretched resources. 

In 2026, the UN and partners’ response will need US$606 million to reach 5.4 million people, prioritizing the most vulnerable 900,000 individuals. The response plan remains critically underfunded. Last year, only 17 per cent of the more than $600 million needed was received, making it one of the least funded country appeals in the world.