Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade highlights urgent humanitarian situation in Venezuela and calls for sustained international support

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has today expressed deep concern at the continuing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela following two major earthquakes which struck north-central Venezuela on June 24th.

Approximately 1,700 people are known to have died in the earthquakes, with up to nine million people affected.

The earthquakes have caused severe damage to homes and critical infrastructure, and urgent humanitarian needs across the worst affected areas.

The Committee welcomes the Irish humanitarian Ireland's decision to provide €1 million in humanitarian assistance to support relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela and expressed solidarity with the people affected by the disaster.

The funding will be provided to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to provide physical and psychological first aid, conduct damage assessments and provide ongoing medical support.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Cathaoirleach Deputy John Lahart TD said: "The scenes from Venezuela are deeply distressing. People have lost loved ones, homes and vital services, and there is an immediate need for medical care, shelter and humanitarian support. Ireland's contribution will help to deliver assistance at a critical time.

This is a moment when humanitarian principles must guide the international response. We welcome the fact that Ireland is stepping forward to support trusted partners on the ground so that aid can reach people quickly and safely.

Ireland's response sits naturally alongside the European Union's efforts. During Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, there is an opportunity to keep humanitarian solidarity, rapid crisis response and support for civilian populations firmly on the European agenda."