Colombia

Colombia is host to one of the largest forced displacement crises in Latin America, with millions of refugees and migrants from Venezuela seeking protection and opportunities. Many continue to face challenges in regularizing their status and accessing essential services.

At the same time, internal armed conflict persists despite the 2016 Peace Agreement and ongoing peace negotiations. Clashes between armed groups have led to the forced displacement of over 7 million people and widespread community confinement. In a concerning trend, not only Colombians but also Venezuelans living in Colombia are increasingly affected by violence and displacement.

Given that both populations often face similar protection risks and needs, UNHCR has adopted a community-based and area-focused approach. This ensures that internally displaced Colombians, Venezuelan refugees and migrants, or at-risk host communities can access rights and services, participate in decision-making, and pursue durable solutions.

UNHCR has been present in Colombia since 1997, supporting the development of a national asylum system and helping prevent forced displacement. Today, we work across the country, including in hard-to-reach areas, prioritizing regions with high numbers of displaced people. Our field presence spans urban centers like Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cúcuta, and Medellín, as well as border regions with Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, and the conflict-affected Pacific Coast.

UNHCR’s integrated response is built on four strategic pillars: prevention and protection, assistance, empowerment, and solutions. Together, these efforts aim to ensure that all people we serve – including asylum-seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, those at risk of statelessness, and host communities – can live in safety and dignity.