WILLEMSTAD – Bel (real name withheld) fled her home country of Venezuela almost 2 years ago because of political reasons. She worked as a radio and television journalist, but due to the current political situation she is no longer sure of her life in Venezuela, whereupon she decided to come to Curaçao. Since then she has lived in constant fear.

Bel is afraid to be arrested and deported. She lives in the illegality, behind closed doors and windows somewhere in hiding in Curaçao. She cannot work because, due to the lack of legislation, Venezuelans who have fled cannot apply for asylum.

No work permit

Bel came here with her husband. He has three university degrees. He also has no work permit and therefore cannot work. "It feels like we are in prison. I only come outside when I really needs to get small groceries. I would prefer to leave here, but because we cannot work, we cannot earn money to buy plane tickets," says Bel.

Going back to Venezuela is not an option. "We have refugee status, according to the general rules of the UNCHR (United Nations Human Rights Commission) but this is not recognized by the government. We are trapped on the island," says Bel.

Bel’s story is not unique. According to Rivas Carlos, director of Venex, a foundation that works for Venezuelans living in Curaçao, dozens of such cases are known. "It is a sad situation. I understand that they cannot stay here, the island is too small for that, but we cannot leave them to their fate as long as they stay on the island."

Citizens establish foundation

Since the departure of the UNCHR, which previously registered and dealt with asylum applications, in July 2017 from Curaçao, it is no longer possible for undocumented migrants to apply for asylum. "An unsustainable and undesirable situation, both for the country and for those involved", says Ieteke Witteveen, chairman of the new Human Rights Caribbean Foundation (HRCF).

Human Rights Caribbean is committed to monitoring the implementation of the Universal Human Rights, as contained in various conventions on humanitarian rights, in the territories of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.

Caught on the island

Bel has meanwhile started a process via the UN and UNCHR. As a journalist she is very well informed about her rights. Her application has been under treatment for almost 2 years now. In the meantime, she cannot leave the island because she must start all over again. Bel: "I do not know how long I can keep this up, but I cannot start this whole process again. The only thing I want is to be treated as a person, not as illegal. My husband and I can be of service to the island in the period that we are here by simply working and paying taxes, just like any other person."

Reporting by Caribbean Network