Sweden provides SEK 25 million to earthquake-stricken Venezuela

“The situation in Venezuela is extremely serious. People who were already living in severe vulnerability have been hit hard by the earthquakes’ devastation. The number of deaths and people injured is increasing daily. Thousands of people have lost their homes and lack access to food and clean water. We’re also particularly concerned about the situation for children, many of whom have been separated from their families, are entirely without protection and in great need of support,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

“The earthquakes have caused major suffering for many people in Venezuela. It’s therefore crucial that Sweden can rapidly provide humanitarian support to help with the most basic needs. In particular, protection of affected children must be strengthened,” says Minister for Health and Social Affairs Jakob Forssmed.

“Venezuela has been hit by devastating earthquakes and many people are in great need. As one of the biggest donors of development assistance, Sweden is providing humanitarian support to the most vulnerable. The Venezuelan people, who are already suffering under the regime, are now also affected by natural disasters – a double tragedy that calls for our support,” says Fredrik Malm, foreign policy spokesperson for the Liberal Party. 

Sweden’s humanitarian assistance targets the most vulnerable and aims to ensure that people can meet their most basic needs. This includes distribution of food packages, access to clean water, temporary emergency shelter and protection, as well as efforts to enhance children’s safety and reunification of separated families.

So far this year, Sweden has provided SEK 78.3 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The support now being presented increases Sweden’s total support in 2026 to SEK 103.3 million, making it one of the largest current bilateral humanitarian donors to Venezuela. Sweden is also providing extensive core support to several of the biggest humanitarian actors operating in Venezuela, including the United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, enabling them to respond quickly and meet the most urgent needs.