Caracas, Venezuela, Jun 19, 2019 / 13:32 pm
The Venezuelan bishops have expressed their concern for the risks to which Venezuelan emigrants, especially women, are exposed. More than 4 million Venezuelans have emigrated since 2015.
Under the socialist administration of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has been marred by violence and social upheaval, with severe shortages and hyperinflation.
"The Justice and Peace Commission and Caritas urge the authorities in all branches of government to investigate, pursue, prosecute and sentence those responsible for human trafficking crimes," the bishops said.
They also called for "guaranteeing the relatives of victims direct access and without any kind of obstacles to law enforcement and the justice system so they can present their cases."