Mercosur expresses concern with humanitarian situation in Nicaragua and Venezuela

published: Jun 18, 2018 05:25 PM, last modified: Jun 18, 2018 05:25 PM

Members of the bloc called for resumption of dialogue with the governments of both countries to reduce social crisis

Cesar Itiberê/PR

Mercosur countries spoke on the humanitarian situation in Nicaragua and Venezuela at a summit of the bloc in Paraguay

In two joint communiqués issued on Monday (18), Mercosur countries expressed concern about the episodes of violence in Nicaragua in recent months and the humanitarian situation in Venezuela.

In Nicaragua, protests against President Daniel Ortega have been ongoing for months. "The Argentine Republic, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Republic of Paraguay and the Eastern Republic of Uruguay, parties to MERCOSUR, hereby express their concern at the episodes of violence in Nicaragua [...] and encourage the government and people of the Nicaragua to resume national dialogue," the statement said.

Venezuela

The presidents of Mercosur countries have once again expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Venezuela, which has been deteriorating in the face of the country's shortage of food and other staples. In a joint statement, the bloc called on the Venezuelan government to resume cooperation with the international community to alleviate the social and migratory crisis the country is facing.

“[The Mercosur countries] stressed the need to coordinate efforts to provide comprehensive responses to migration and refugee issues, consistent with migrants' dignity and the preservation of their fundamental rights," the document said.