Venezuela faces a complex humanitarian situation, shaped by prolonged economic difficulties, ongoing social and political tensions and the impact of natural emergencies. Roy Hernandez, Programme Officer at OCHA, reflects on what he sees in the field and explains why staying close to the people we serve is more important than ever.
Tell us about your early days with OCHA.
I started in a context where there was limited understanding among local communities of what humanitarian action is and how it supports people in need. Part of my role was to explain what OCHA is and why we were there, and to work hard to earn communities¡¯ trust ¡ª something that remains central to my job today.
When I transitioned to the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) in 2022, I made it a priority to continue that dialogue and ensure communities remained at the center of our decisions. That is exactly why I applied for the post: I wanted to maintain a direct connection with the people we are here to serve. Working with the Fund allows me to do just that.
Which is also at the core of the Humanitarian Reset...
Absolutely. The Fund plays a vital role in advancing the localization agenda. We support implementing partners by strengthening their capacities and accompany them on field visits to observe how projects are progressing, identify what is working well, and adjust what needs improvement.
What impact have you seen on the communities supported by the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund?
We often talk about the life-saving impact of OCHA-managed Funds, but witnessing it ¡ª seeing the difference it makes for real people ¡ª reshapes the meaning of impact altogether.
In an Indigenous community in Delta Amacuro, eight children died from water-borne diseases in the first quarter of 2025. After a water-treatment system was installed through a VHF-financed project, the community gained access to clean water, and since then, not a single death has been recorded.
In Apure, I saw a three-year-old boy overcome severe malnutrition thanks to specialized care provided through a VHF-supported project.
Being national staff is rewarding but challenging. It is your own people you see struggling, but being able to make their lives a bit better is what keeps me going.
