Guyana

Guyana

Representatives of HIAS Guyana travel by boat to help Venezuelans in remote areas near Port Kaituma, November 2020. (Alex Theran/HIAS)

Country Director

Caroline Githara

Office Locations

Bartica, Georgetown, Mabaruma

Founded

2020

Staff Size

18

Connect

Caroline Githara

+592 227 6758

About 30,000 Venezuelans — more than half of them women  — live in Guyana, as do the Warao indigenous community seeking international protection, and Guyanese returning to Guyana from Venezuela. Guyana has several legal entry points (Kumaka, Charity/Parika, Georgetown, and Lethem) which Venezuelans access on a weekly basis to enter Guyana.

HIAS opened an office in Mabaruma to better assist the Warao in obtaining health services, family planning services, and access to education. HIAS Guyana helps Venezuelans and host community members who are victims, survivors of GBV, displaced, homeless, in need of medical attention, or seeking local integration.

5,941

people reached directly and indirectly through services and activities in 2021

Our Work

In Guyana, HIAS provides a comprehensive response to the situation facing Venezuelan refugees and migrants through interventions for GBV prevention and response, community-based mental health support, humanitarian assistance, and integration. HIAS Guyana works toward the empowerment of refugees through guidance and information, provision of shelter, workshops on local integration, and access to services, all while working with other partners to do more for the host and refugee communities.

We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.

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As part of HIAS’ commitment to assisting those most in need, we proactively prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters around the world that create displaced populations.

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Respond to Emergencies

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

We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.

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Impact Story

What a Hot Dog Cart Can Mean

Sussana Rodriguez took a HIAS workshop with 36 other people and learned basic business skills. With guidance from HIAS and a micro grant to cover initial costs, Rodriguez was able to purchase a hot dog cart, kitchen utensils, and solar panels to power her home where she makes the sausages and juices she sells.

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What a Hot Dog Cart Can Mean

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.

Ilia Ryzka, who has autism and cerebral palsy, hugs his mother, Zoia, in the yard of the L'Arche house where his family stays with other refugees from Ukraine on May 30, 2022 in Wieliczka, Poland. (Betsy Joles for HIAS)

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Ilia Ryzka, who has autism and cerebral palsy, hugs his mother, Zoia, in the yard of the L'Arche house where his family stays with other refugees from Ukraine on May 30, 2022 in Wieliczka, Poland. (Betsy Joles for HIAS)

Help HIAS provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world