In June 2006, Refugees International (RI) is launching its third mission to Colombia since February 2005 to generate greater attention and support for the internally displaced population. The internal armed conflict has displaced more than two million Colombians. The government of Colombia has taken some initiatives to stop the different armed groups responsible for causing displacement. Through a controversial strategy, the government has undertaken the huge task of disarming the paramilitary groups, offering their members incentives to convince them to renounce their weapons. Though the process has been considered completed and deemed a success by the government, violence continues to affect the lives of millions of Colombians, and there is concern about the effective dismantling of the paramilitaries.

During a three-week assessment mission, RI Advocates Andrea Lari and Kristèle Younès will survey conditions of displacement and meet with national authorities and the UN representatives, staff of agencies providing humanitarian aid, human rights monitors and the displaced themselves. The major objectives of the visit will be: (1) to assess the situation of newly displaced Colombians and initiatives taken to assist them, as well as identify concrete ways to provide them with better assistance and security; (2) to assess the government of Colombia’s policy toward the displaced and monitor its implementation in different parts of the country and (3) to monitor the humanitarian and security situation of communities who have recently returned in their areas of origin and work with national and international actors to assist these communities in the best possible ways.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) continue to flee the conflict in large numbers and look for safe sanctuary in the cities. Once in urban centers they have to cope with difficult living conditions, with very limited access to basic services. Even outside their communities of origin leaders of IDP communities continue to face death threats, selective assassinations and disappearances. United Nations agencies and international and national NGOs are present in Colombia and implement programs aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable populations. The government of Colombia, however, has the primary responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that the displaced can live in dignity throughout the country. In an effort to address these issues, the Colombian government is implementing a country-wide plan to address the needs of IDPs. It is essential that all needs be addressed, including physical protection and socio-economic assistance.

Similarly, the government of Colombia must ensure that all returns are informed and consensual. The government must also protect vulnerable communities of returnees against possible attacks, and provide them with the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. Returning in rural areas that are often impoverished, many Colombians face extreme challenges such as the loss of their land, the lack of economic opportunities in their areas of return, and the threat caused by armed groups operating in their environment. Not only must the government of Colombia protect the returnees and assist them throughout the return process, it must also compensate its citizens for the losses they have suffered because of the armed conflict still raging in the country.