According to new data from the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), migrants and refugees from Venezuela who leave the border on foot walk an average of 16 hours per day, generally for 13 days. That’s nearly 600 miles from the border in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander to Cali, in Valle del Cauca.
During their journey to safety, migrants may experience a variety of health conditions related to the weather and terrain, including sunburn, dehydration, malnutrition, and other physical injuries. Unfortunately, many of these conditions are left untreated due to a shortage of services and barriers to accessing the services that do exist. Still, thousands of Venezuelans pack up their lives each day and make the dangerous journey in search of a better life. And whether they intend to or not, that journey almost always includes a stop in Colombia.
For Hernán Arias, Project Manager for Heartland Alliance International’s PASOS Project, it is absolutely essential that Colombia respect and uphold the basic human rights of migrants and refugees – regardless of where they’re coming from. “Human rights cross borders,” he said. “They don’t stay behind.”
To meet migrants where they are with what they need, HAI began propping up humanitarian tents along busy migration routes in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. In these tents, individuals and their families can access critical services, including basic health care, emergency mental health and psychosocial support, and legal advice. The humanitarian tents are also equipped with hydration stations, temporary resting areas, food, hygiene supplies, and much more.
Hernan says these tents remind migrants, “You are not alone, and your rights accompany you wherever you may go.”
Marcelo, 32, left his home, his family, and his dreams behind. He understands the needs of migrants because he was once a migrant himself. Today, he lives in Tuluá, Valle del Cauca with his 7-year-old daughter.
“Although I have a good sense of humor, I cry easily when faced with human pain. Since I arrived in 
Tuluá I have looked for a way to help my fellow countrymen, and in the humanitarian tent I saw a way to help my people. I started using my motorcycle to transport migrants, especially those with children, and bring them closer to the tent. I don’t charge them anything, I just want them to receive some help. Like I did.”
HAI’s team in the region installs the humanitarian tents in strategic locations for three-day periods. During that time, approximately 200 people receive services.
“I like being involved with this initiative,” said Marcelo. “I refer people whenever and wherever I can, and I also receive health services myself. This experience has helped me cope with the grief of leaving my country, but it has also strengthened my leadership skills, so I can better serve this vulnerable community. My community.” 
Marcelo adds, “The care and protection services provided at the tent reignited my hope. I’ve also learned a lot about parenting as a single father. That has been beneficial for my daughter too. Today, the tents have become a network of support, solidarity, and resilience. They are the best representation of humanhood.”
