At a glance: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Background

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This map does not reflect a position by UNICEF on the legal status of any country or territory or the delimitation of any frontiers.

Following a serious socio-political crisis, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has entered a phase of greater stability. Changes were made to the legal and institutional framework, including the establishment of a child and adolescent protection system. Forty per cent of the population is under 17 years old; a substantial part of Venezuela’s people are of African descent, and 2.2 per cent are of indigenous descent. The economy has shown significant improvements due to increases in oil prices and non-traditional exports. Social spending has increased and implementing social programmes has become a priority, mainly in education, health and social development. However, 60.1 per cent of the population, including children, adolescents and women, still lives in poverty and 28.1 percent in extreme poverty.

Issues facing children in Venezuela

• Infant mortality has been reduced, but maternal mortality is still high, even though 94 per cent of births occur in health facilities.
• At least 21 per cent of children under five are malnourished to some degree.
• Pregnancies among adolescents are common, and most are unwanted pregnancies.
• Thousands of children are left homeless and without school due to frequent natural disasters.
• Violence affects many children and women. In most of the cases, abuse happens at home.
• Children and families living along the Colombian border are affected by the armed conflict.
• Many children are left out of the school system, especially indigenous children and children of African descent.
• Thousands of children have not been officially registered at birth.
• The rate of vertical transmission of HIV/AIDS is estimated to be 3 per cent. The prevalence of HIV among 15-25 year-olds and among women has increased.

Actions and results for children

• Setting up of the child protection system is almost complete; UNICEF has supported the process.
• UNICEF’s expertise and funds supported the National Identity Programme, including the creation of hospital units for birth registration.
• UNICEF is supporting comprehensive child protection for children affected by armed conflict.
• UNICEF supports national and local initiatives for preschool education and intercultural and bilingual education with indigenous populations.
• UNICEF is active in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including through interagency partnerships for prevention.
• UNICEF provides humanitarian help in emergencies and disasters, and supports back-to-school programmes and psychosocial recovery programmes for affected children.
• UNICEF is supporting social mobilization for tolerance and social harmony.
• The National Plan to Prevent Violence and Achieve Equality for Women, including information and outreach activities, has UNICEF support.