Colombia

Despite political progress, the lives of many people in Colombia continue to be shaped by armed violence, displacement, and ongoing insecurity.

Persistent violence and poverty - women are particularly affected

Colombia is often described as a stable democracy with a progressive constitution and dynamic economic growth. However, the consequences of a decades‑long armed conflict, organized crime, and corruption continue to pose significant challenges for people in the country. In addition to a large number of internally displaced persons, Colombia has taken in around three million refugees from neighboring Venezuela.

Women, children, and adolescents are particularly affected by violence, poverty, and displacement. In regions where decades of armed conflict have normalized violence, sexualized violence and abuse - including within the family - remain a serious problem, especially for young women and girls.

In numbers: The situation in Colombia

Around 23% of women were married or in an early union before the age of 18 (a practice that is now prohibited by law)
Over 7 million people currently live as internally displaced personst
About 8.3 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid
At least 2.8 million people from Venezuela live in Colombia

Supporting refugees and internally displaced people

The focus of action medeor's work in Colombia is on empowering people who have experienced displacement and promoting physical and mental health. In the department of La Guajira, for example, we are working to provide healthcare, counseling and integration for Venezuelan refugees and to promote peaceful coexistence with the Colombian host communities.

In another project, we are working with local partner organizations to improve future prospects for women and young people in particular, but also in the care and counselling of people who have had traumatic experiences in the context of flight and violence. Measures to improve food and health care round off our commitment.

Your donation helps!

With your donation for the work of action medeor, you help us to provide people in countries like Colombia with access to healthcare and to leave the difficult past of flight and violence behind!