Colombia

2012 UNHCR country operations profile - Colombia

Working environment

The context

Internal displacement in Colombia continues to cause serious humanitarian concerns. The conflict and the dynamics of violence have changed during the last years as a result of the demobilization of paramilitary groups, the strengthening of the military capacity of the armed forces and the police, as well as the proliferation of illegal armed actors, many closely linked to illicit drug trafficking and organized crime.

While there has been a drop in the rate of new displacements, an estimated 100,000 people were displaced internally in 2010, representing a net increase of 35 per cent compared to 2009, according to the Government. At the end of the year, the overall figure of officially registered internally displaced persons (IDPs) stood at some 3.6 million (cumulative since 1997). Those most affected, especially the indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations, live in remote, rural areas such as the Pacific Coast, Central Colombia, Antioquia and the regions bordering Venezuela and Ecuador.

Urban areas, home to more than 1.7 million IDPs, are also experiencing more violence and intra-urban displacement, with gang warfare leading to sexual and gender-based violence, forced recruitment, neighbourhood curfews and extortion. There have also been reports of "social cleansing".

Under the Victims and Land Restitution Bill of August 2010, judicial and administrative measures were introduced to allow the victims of forced displacement to claim reparations and land restitution. However, the implementation of this law still remains a major challenge.

Colombia has joined Ecuador in establishing a bi-national commission on Colombian refugees' needs and their possible return. UNHCR participated as an observer and provided technical support, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making, voluntariness, safety and dignity as well as sustainability of return.

The number of asylum claims in Colombia - mostly by people from Africa reportedly moving towards North America - has decreased as compared to 2009. As many used to enter Colombia via Ecuador, this drop was probably due to Ecuador's decision to reinstate an entry visa requirement for the citizens of nine countries in September.

The needs

Despite the Government's efforts to revise the approach to internal displacement and improve the response to the victims of the conflict, implementation of the new measures, including the Victims and Land Restitution Bill, is still undermined by the presence of illegal armed groups, security risks for the civilian population and lack of adequate financial and institutional capacity, especially at the local level.

Given the vulnerability of people of concern, preventing displacement and providing protection remain priorities. At the same time, greater efforts are needed to find durable solutions, especially in light of the varied displacement situations, and the diversity of needs.

Main objectives and targets for 2012

Favourable protection environment

Laws and policies are developed or strengthened.

• Laws and policies on forced displacement are made consistent with international standards through the use of more coordination mechanisms and comprehensive approaches in the assistance to IDPs.

Security from violence and exploitation

Protection from the effects of armed conflict is strengthened.

• Some 1,600 monitoring missions are carried out during the year to enhance the protection presence in municipalities most affected by the conflict.

Community self-reliance

Community mobilization is strengthened and expanded.

• Some 30 communities are assisted with capacity-building initiatives promoting local integration, return and relocation, by strengthened participation, self-organization, and improved identification of risks and solutions.

Durable solutions

A comprehensive solutions strategy is developed, strengthened or updated.

• At least 30 communities benefit from a comprehensive solutions strategy that improves living conditions and the sustainability of durable solutions.

Coordination and partnership

Coordination and partnership are strengthened.

• Protection coordination between regional and national protection working groups is enhanced both at national level and in seven field locations.

Strategy and activities in 2012

The overall goal is to strengthen the international protection regime and to promote access to durable solutions for people in need. UNHCR continues to advise the Government on the implementation of national refugee legislation and refugee status determination. In addition, efforts are underway to consolidate local integration and provide short-term financial assistance. Close coordination and dialogue with the Eligibility Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Administrative Department of Security continue on a regular basis.

UNHCR's strategic priorities in Colombia include:

• Expanding and maintaining humanitarian space to help prevent further displacement, by fostering acceptance among communities and implementing practical protection projects, as well as protection by presence in remote areas where the conflict is ongoing. UNHCR will also promote early warning systems and protection risks analysis (including in border regions) together with local authorities, the Ombudsman and civil society, as well as sharing cross-border information with UNHCR field offices in neighbouring countries. Ensuring the visibility of the humanitarian situation of communities at risk of displacement is also a priority.

• Improving the protection situation by: i) increasing the effectiveness of public policies, in particular in land restitution (in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture); ii) strengthening protection systems for threatened individuals and communities at risk; iii) supporting the enhanced registration process (protection/assistance responses, legal aid counselling); and iv) designing local action plans to implement emergency responses.

• Finding lasting solutions by: i) undertaking a catalytic role to obtain support for return, relocation and local integration in pre-selected communities; ii) supporting action plans led by local authorities on the basis of participatory assessments; and iii) promoting the engagement of development actors and the Government to facilitate the transition from humanitarian assistance to sustainable development, as in the UNHCR-UNDP Transitional Solutions Initiative.

In terms of cross-cutting priorities, the emphasis is on participatory assessments, building the capacity of local authorities on gender and age-related issues and implementing strategies centred on Afro-Colombians and indigenous groups. Of equal importance is supporting action to address sexual and gender-based violence, protecting children and youths, and promoting land protection/restitution initiatives.

Constraints

While the new Government's shift in emphasis towards the defence of IDPs' rights and the land restitution initiative offer new opportunities and hope for a more solutions-focused approach, the challenges are enormous. A holistic approach, including protection and an end to impunity, is needed for these policies to be successful.

As confirmed by data on IDPs' intention to return, many local authorities need to adopt a new perspective on the displaced, considering them as permanent citizens, and establishing clear integration policies which involve host communities.

Finally, the changing nature of the conflict, its links with criminal activities and the proliferation of armed groups continue to raise concerns about the protection of displaced persons and the maintenance of humanitarian space in certain areas of the country.

Organization and implementation

In 2012, UNHCR will be present in 10 field offices and a Branch Office in Bogota covering the north-west, north-east, south-west and south-east as well as the three regions bordering Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama.

Coordination

UNHCR maintains close working relations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation (Acción Social). Partnerships have also been established with different line ministries and regional and local administrations as well as community-based groups and IDP associations. In 2011 UNHCR participated in several inter-agency programmes, such as the Central Emergency Response Mechanism, the Millennium Development Goals Achievement Fund and the Human Security Trust Fund. Alliances were also established with UNDP (on solutions), with UNFPA and UN Women (on sexual and gender-based violence) and with WFP (on humanitarian response at the field level).

UNHCR continues to participate in the thematic-groups system, co-chairing the Protection Thematic Group with the Norwegian Refugee Council, facilitating coordination among humanitarian actors on IDP issues, and ensuring joint responses to critical humanitarian situations. Close relations with the donor community and national and international NGOs are also maintained.

Financial information

For the past five years, UNHCR's Colombia operation has received growing support from the international community. Nevertheless, the financial crisis experienced worldwide has affected the volume of funds received in 2011. UNHCR will make fresh efforts to secure the necessary resources to strengthen protection networks and intensify the search for solutions in 2012. UNHCR's budgetary requirements amount to USD 34.9 million in 2012 and to USD 32 million in 2013.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2012-2013

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