Aruba

Aruba

Years Active

2019-2025

HIAS Aruba has ceased operations

Due to the U.S. government’s decision to halt humanitarian assistance around the world, HIAS has been forced to cease our operations in Aruba. This is not something we anticipated or wanted, and we recognize the profound impact this will have on the communities we serve.

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Although only 125,000 people live in Aruba, it has the highest proportion of displaced people per capita in the world. Limited assistance is provided to displaced people in Aruba, particularly in terms of legal recognition of their status.

Initially launched to assist Venezuelan refugees that migrated to Aruba, HIAS Aruba provided life-changing services to all displaced people seeking safety and stability on the island.

Remote services across the Caribbean

The Caribbean region has historically experienced significant mixed migratory flows. In recent years, thousands of people have arrived on Caribbean Island states and overseas territories seeking safety.

In this context, HIAS designed a flexible remote program that worked to empower asylum seekers and refugees by providing individual mental health care and economic assistance to allow recipients to access basic services from different islands across the Caribbean.

8,300

people in Aruba and across the Caribbean received services in 2024

Our Work

HIAS assesses and responds to the needs of displaced people, helping to strengthen their ability to mitigate risks and live in dignity and safety. HIAS Aruba responded to the needs of vulnerable people affected by displacement by empowering them to manage potential risks and to live in dignity and safety. HIAS Aruba promoted local integration by providing and increasing access to basic services and rights.

Promote Economic Empowerment
End Violence Against Women and Girls
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Impact Story

Estephanie Britton, Program Specialist, and Oscarly Garcia, Program Manager for the Remote Caribbean Services Program run by HIAS and UNHCR, pose for a portrait outside the HIAS Aruba office. April 11, 2024. (Daniel Alvarez Roldan/HIAS)

Localization in the Caribbean

Our Caribbean Remote Services program supports asylum seekers and refugees across 17 islands with vital services and long-term assistance.

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Partners

Airbnb

GIFMM

Girls not Brides

GTRM

Manpower

Norwegian Refugee Council

Plan International

REDLAC (The Working Group on Risk, Emergencies and Disasters)

UNHCR/IOM Regional Platform for the Venezuela Situation Response (R4V)

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.