ACT Alliance calls for solidarity, support after visiting earthquake-torn Colombia, Venezuela

ACT Alliance calls for solidarity, support after visiting earthquake-torn Colombia, Venezuela

msc

Tue, 09/08/2026 - 20:32

Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, general secretary of the ACT Alliance, recently visited Colombia and Venezuela in the wake of earthquakes in both countries. He reflects on the humanitarian work—and why communities are ready to lead it.

Image

Ground zero of the disaster, Caraballeda, La Guaira. HEKS/EPER Venezuela team.

Photo: Ricardo Noite/HEKS/EPER

What was the purpose of your visits?

Bueno de Fari a: The purpose was not only to express solidarity, but to understand how the response is unfolding in practice: where ACT members are adding value, where important gaps remain, and what these emergencies tell us about localization, community-led humanitarian action and the changing international humanitarian system.

What was your biggest takeaway?

Bueno de Faria: My principal conclusion is clear: ACT members and their partners are doing important and distinctive humanitarian work, particularly by reaching communities that larger response mechanisms do not easily reach and by strengthening,…