Bolivia — humanitarian situation

Bolivia is experiencing a severe social and political crisis characterized by widespread civil unrest and road blockades that began in early May 2026 and have now persisted for 46 days. The conflict has escalated significantly, with approximately 60 active blockade points reported across six departments as of mid-June, severely restricting movement along major national transport corridors (UNCT Bolivia, IFRC). The blockades expanded substantially during the second half of May, particularly between 23-27 May, when the number of obstructions increased across key routes connecting departments (IFRC). This prolonged disruption has created critical humanitarian access constraints affecting the delivery of essential supplies and services across affected regions. The blockades have severely interrupted supply chains for fuel, food, medicines, and medical oxygen, with particularly acute impacts on urban centers including La Paz and El Alto (UNCT Bolivia, WFP). In response, WFP has initiated institutional food deliveries to priority health and social care facilities, providing 2 metric tons of food commodities to support continuity of meal services for vulnerable populations in La Paz and El Alto (WFP). Humanitarian access constraints continue to impede the movement of essential goods, prompting WFP to reinforce surge response capacities and humanitarian logistics arrangements (WFP). The UN Country Team has noted that the situation is marked by significant polarization alongside the physical mobility restrictions (UNCT Bolivia). The crisis unfolds against a broader regional context that includes measles outbreaks across the Americas, with 22,324 confirmed cases reported through epidemiological week 23 of 2026, representing a 207% increase compared to 2025 (PAHO). Additionally, forecasts indicate El Niño conditions are very likely from mid-2026, with most models projecting at least a moderate-strength event and increasing possibility of a strong event (IASC, IFRC, OCHA). Bolivia hosts Venezuelan refugees and migrants as part of regional mixed movements, with UNHCR providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons in the country during 2025, though specific figures for Bolivia were not detailed in available reports (UNHCR).