Aruba

Aruba

To commemorate Human Rights Day, HIAS Aruba staff held an information session and provided the public with flyers about HIAS and UNHCR services, Oranjestad, Aruba, December 10, 2024. (Juan Luis Pinto/HIAS Aruba)

Years Active

2019-2025

HIAS Aruba has ceased operations

Due to the U.S. government’s decision to halt humanitarian assistance around the world, HIAS has been forced to cease our operations in Aruba. This is not something we anticipated or wanted, and we recognize the profound impact this will have on the communities we serve.

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Although only 125,000 people live in Aruba, it has the highest proportion of displaced people per capita in the world. Limited assistance is provided to displaced people in Aruba, particularly in terms of legal recognition of their status.

Initially launched to assist Venezuelan refugees that migrated to Aruba, HIAS Aruba provided life-changing services to all displaced people seeking safety and stability on the island.

Remote services across the Caribbean

The Caribbean region has historically experienced significant mixed migratory flows. In recent years, thousands of people have arrived on Caribbean Island states and overseas territories seeking safety.

In this context, HIAS designed a flexible remote program that worked to empower asylum seekers and refugees by providing individual mental health care and economic assistance to allow recipients to access basic services from different islands across the Caribbean.

8,300

people in Aruba and across the Caribbean received services in 2024

Our Work

HIAS Aruba responded to the needs of vulnerable people affected by displacement by empowering them to manage potential risks and to live in dignity and safety. HIAS Aruba promoted local integration by providing and increasing access to basic services and rights.

A HIAS staff member speaks with a woman and girl about HIAS' programs to address violence against women and girls. End Violence Against Women and Girls | HIAS

We help women and girls access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and engaging communities in change.

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Support Community Mental Health

HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

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Magdiel Galeano Gómez, a refugee from Nicaragua now living in Costa Rica, works on a product for his business, Jeff Creative. (SideXSide Studios/HIAS)

Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.

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A HIAS staff member speaks with a woman and girl about HIAS' programs to address violence against women and girls. End Violence Against Women and Girls | HIAS

We help women and girls access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and engaging communities in change.

Learn More

Impact Story

Estephanie Britton, Program Specialist, and Oscarly Garcia, Program Manager for the Remote Caribbean Services Program run by HIAS and UNHCR, pose for a portrait outside the HIAS Aruba office. April 11, 2024. (Daniel Alvarez Roldan/HIAS)

Localization in the Caribbean

Our Caribbean Remote Services program supports asylum seekers and refugees across 17 islands with vital services and long-term assistance. 

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Statements

Apr 26, 2023

Forcibly Displaced Women in Aruba at Higher Risk of Gender-Based Violence, HIAS Study Finds

Partners

Airbnb

GIFMM

Girls not Brides

Manpower

Norwegian Refugee Council

Plan International

REDLAC (The Working Group on Risk, Emergencies and Disasters)

UNHCR/IOM Regional Platform for the Venezuela Situation Response (R4V)

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.

Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

Your gift will help us provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

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