HIAS Ecuador worked around the clock over the past several days to assist Venezuelans who were streaming into the country, crossing the border before they felt it might be too late.

On World Refugee Day all over the world, HIAS and its supporters took part in celebrations of refugees.

Neal Smith, a HIAS volunteer, uses his English skills to support refugee clients.

HIAS joins in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the international campaign to stop violence against women and girls.

Last month HIAS went on a fact-finding mission to assess the needs of Venezuelans in Colombia.

“Because of the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, since 2007 HIAS Venezuela has been able to assist more than 500 victims of torture and their families, including Pedro,” said Isabel Altuve, Interim Director of HIAS Venezuela.

On June 20, 2016, World Refugee Day celebrations around the world honored the bravery and perseverance of the millions of men, women and children who are refugees today—and also provided an opportunity for refugees themselves to have a bit of fun.

“The mothers kept telling us how thankful they were," a HIAS staffer said. “They were really grateful that their children were able to receive high quality care, and that they were not discriminated against for being refugees.”

More than two weeks of heavy rain this month has caused the worst flooding in 20 years in Apure State, Venezuela, stranding many without clean drinking water, food or electricity.