-
Giving credit to Colombian refugees in Ecuador
23 May 2005 Creative and hardworking, Colombian refugees are making a living in Ecuador with the help of small loans to start or expand businesses like bakeries, catering and recycling services. Besides providing an income, these small businesses help refugees regain their sense of purpose and self-respect. -
More than 1,000 people flee fear of clashes in Colombia's north-west
20 May 2005 Some 1,100 Colombians have fled their homes along the Buey River in the north-west, citing fears of heightened clashes in the area. UNHCR today joined the authorities on a mission to verify reports of further displacement along the river. -
Colombia's displaced youth face violence, forced recruitment in cities, warns UNHCR
17 May 2005 Young displaced people in Colombia's cities are increasingly facing dangers like murders, sexual abuse and forced recruitment by armed groups, warned the UN refugee agency today as it stressed the need for urgent actions to protect and assist these vulnerable youths. -
New ruling allows bank credit for refugees in Costa Rica
10 May 2005 The UN refugee agency has welcomed a new ruling by Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber that refugees in the country are eligible for bank loans that could help them integrate better in their host community. -
Colombian conflict could wipe out indigenous groups, warns UNHCR
22 Apr 2005 Fighting in Colombia is threatening the survival of smaller and more vulnerable groups of indigenous people, cautioned the UN refugee agency today as it joined a mission to assess the needs of thousands of displaced indigenous people in the south-west. -
Indigenous survivors mark anniversary of Colombian massacre amid hope and fears for the future
14 Apr 2005 UNHCR recently joined other UN agencies and indigenous communities to mark the fourth anniversary of the Naya massacre that killed scores of people and displaced thousands others. Many of the survivors are rebuilding their lives in a new settlement, but are aware that danger lurks nearby. -
UNHCR increases efforts to help displaced people in Colombia's cities
14 Apr 2005 The refugee agency has signed an Agreement of Wills with candidates vying to be the mayor of Soacha, which has one of the highest concentrations of internally displaced persons in Colombia. This initiative is part of a strategy to expand and diversify efforts to help urban displaced populations. -
Hundreds at risk in western Colombia, warns UNHCR
4 Apr 2005 Some 250 Colombians caught in the cross-fire between irregular armed groups have fled their community in Bojayá, western Colombia, bringing the number of people displaced in the area in recent weeks to more than 2,000. UNHCR has sent a team to assess the worsening humanitarian situation. -
More Colombians fleeing to Venezuela's cities, says UNHCR
30 Mar 2005 The UN refugee agency has noted an increase in the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Venezuela's bigger cities, like Caracas and Maracaibo. Many of the urban refugees say they left areas bordering Colombia because of security concerns and economic difficulties.