Working environment

The context

Internal displacement continues to present serious humanitarian concerns in Colombia, which had approximately 3.4 million people officially registered as internally displaced (IDPs) by mid-2010. The number has grown as a result of the long-lasting conflict between the Government and several guerrilla organizations, as well as the rise of new illegal armed groups and organized crime. The level of risk and vulnerability among IDPs remains high due to precarious living conditions, the absence of durable solutions and threats and selective killings, particularly related to the issue of land restitution.

While security has generally improved in densely populated areas in the highland regions, the situation has deteriorated in more sparsely populated areas, particularly in the coastal and border regions. Most IDPs are displaced from rural areas, but urban displacement is also on the rise. Of particular concern are Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations, which have been disproportionately affected by displacement, forced recruitment and sexual and gender-based violence.

The political debate in 2010 has been dominated by the presidential elections that took place in June. The new Government has announced it will give priority to the issue of land in relation to displacement. Many see this as a new opportunity to find solutions for IDPs.

Finally, a steady number of Colombians continue to seek international protection outside the country, with now more than 115,000 refugees and asylum-seekers in the region. In this respect, the new Government has worked swiftly to re-establish ties with neighbouring countries after a period of strained relations. Meanwhile, Colombia is fulfilling its international obligations to protect recognized refugees. A new decree adopted in November 2009 has improved refugee status determination (RSD) procedures, although the challenges arising from mixed migration flows are growing.

The needs

The Government's response to the displacement issue has improved in recent years. Key advances include a substantial increase in resources allocated to displacement (more than USD 1 billion in 2010) and the revision of strategies in the key sectors of land, housing and income generation.

Nevertheless, critical gaps remain in implementation, particularly as far as local institutions are concerned, due to lack of funding or technical capacity. Providing protection remains the primary challenge in view of the security conditions and the particular vulnerability of people of concern. Finding durable solutions will remain difficult, as implementation of a comprehensive strategy to provide sustainable solutions has lagged.

2011 UNHCR planning figures for Colombia
TYPE OF POPULATION	ORIGIN	JAN 2011		DEC 2011
		TOTAL IN COUNTRY	OF WHOM ASSISTED BY UNHCR	TOTAL IN COUNTRY	OF WHOM ASSISTED BY UNHCR
Total		3,484,350	575,220	3,664,380	600,270
Refugees	Various	210	80	220	110
Asylum-seekers	Various	120	120	130	130
Returnees (refugees)	Colombia	20	20	30	30
IDPs	Colombia	3,484,000	575,000	3,664,000	600,000

Main objectives and targets

Favourable protection environment

Policies on forced displacement allow for better protection.

• Policies, action plans and monitoring/evaluation mechanisms are improved.

The national administrative framework facilitates better protection.

• Clarity on institutional responsibility and resource allocation is improved.

Prevention of displacement is strengthened.

• Risks are identified and early warning systems put in place.

Fair protection processes

Reception conditions are improved.

• The number of municipalities with reception centres or with the capacity to create one increases.

Access to asylum procedures is improved

• The criteria to guarantee access to status determination procedures are improved.

The potential for local integration is realized.

• The number of refugees and asylum-seekers able to integrate locally increases.

Durable solutions

The durable solutions strategy is strengthened.

• Policies, action plans and monitoring/evaluation mechanisms improved with regard to solutions.

Rehabilitation and reintegration are made more sustainable.

• The establishment of IDPs' rights at the national level is improved.

Strategy and activities in 2011

In 2011, the Office will focus on the following strategic priorities:

Prevention: UNHCR will work to address the conditions which generate displacement, including forced recruitment, particularly of children; lack of respect for international humanitarian law; the presence of illegal armed groups within communities; and conflict over control of territory. At the same time, the right to seek protection in another location within Colombia or in another country will not be limited.

Protection: The Office will continue to focus on coordination between the actions of State institutions at all levels and on a direct, concrete response to community and individual needs, especially of those threatened because of land issues. UNHCR will seek to protect the property of IDPs and persons-at-risk through the Land Initiative and will continue to promote "protection by presence" throughout its area of coverage, with the physical presence of staff in the most remote locations and tense contexts, being used as a tool of protection.

Durable solutions: UNHCR will work more closely with selected communities on return, local integration and relocation, with the aim of identifying the factors that can make them successful. In selected cases, UNHCR will play a catalytic role in bringing together the relevant actors to promote a comprehensive approach and facilitate the transition to development-related initiatives managed by local authorities, development agencies and the concerned communities.

UNHCR will continue to focus on: implementation of public policies on forced displacement at the local level; active participation by all community members; protection of groups, such as indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities; and the response to the specific protection needs of children and youth, women and men, and the elderly.

Constraints

The changing nature of the conflict, including its links with criminal activities and illegal narcotics, and the proliferation of various armed groups, continue to raise concerns about the protection of displaced persons, especially adolescent girls and boys, and the maintenance of humanitarian space in certain areas of the country.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

The implementation of UNHCR's strategy relies on key partnerships with Colombian institutions, such as , the primary government counterpart, ministries, agencies and regional and local administrations. On the other hand, of particular importance are relations with IDP and community-based groups, especially those comprising women and youth, and indigenous and Afro-Colombian organizations, such as the Organización National de Indígenas de Colombia. Finally, UNHCR maintains close coordination with other UN agencies in the framework of the UN Country Team, a number of thematic programmes, and international and national NGOs. In particular, UNHCR co-leads, together with the Norwegian Refugee Council, the inter-agency thematic group for protection.

Financial information

In recent years, UNHCR's Colombia operation has received increased support from the international community. In 2011, financial requirements will remain in line with the previous year. UNHCR will work to deepen its protection network.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2011 Update