Guyana

Guyana

HIAS program participant Alejandra Ortega talks with a HIAS worker in Georgetown, Guyana, June 12, 2023. (Fidal Bassier for HIAS)

Years Active

2020-2025

HIAS Guyana 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 Guyana. 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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Though Guyana hosts a relatively small migrant population, there are significant challenges for refugees and internally displaced people.

HIAS Guyana supported not only Venezuelan migrants but also Guyanese returnees from Venezuela and the Warao indigenous communities seeking protection. The team focused on uplifting individuals often most at-risk including women-headed households, survivors of sexual and domestic violence, and people with disabilities.

Through their work, the HIAS Guyana team created a powerful network of support and empowerment. Their programs helped individuals recover, rebuild, and advocate for themselves and others.

11,000+

people received services in 2024

Our Work

In Guyana, HIAS provided a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by refugees and migrants through interventions for prevention of violence against women and girls, community-based mental health and psychosocial support, economic empowerment, humanitarian assistance, integration support, and emergency response.

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.

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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Impact Story

Refugees Supporting Refugees: Lyn, Guyana

Lyn was just eight years old when she arrived in Guyana as her mother tightly gripped her hand. Now, she works with refugees in Guyana to help them find employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

 

“Being able to support refugees gives me a purpose in life and I feel like this is what I need to be doing,” Lyn said. “Connecting their stories to mine, I want to be the person to hold their hand the way my mother held mine when I first arrived in Guyana.”

Read Lyn's story

Partners

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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