Colombia

Advocacy for Colombia

What’s Happening?

Colombia is the primary destination for Venezuelans fleeing their country, hosting more displaced Venezuelans abroad than any other nation in the world, and has millions of internally displaced people of its own. Colombia has been welcoming towards Venezuelans taking proactive steps to regularize them and grant them access to services, but many Venezuelans continue crossing to Colombia irregularly without possibilities to regularize their stay. Even those with regular status struggle to find decent jobs and build a dignified life. Internally displaced Colombians also face similar issues to access services and employment, often settling in areas controlled by criminal groups. With limited opportunities, Venezuelans and displaced Colombians are forced to make a difficult decision to re-migrate to other areas within Colombia or abroad, often crossing the Darien Gap.

What Must Be Done?

Refugees International is calling on the international community to support the government of Colombia in its efforts to integrate and support displaced Venezuelans and asks the Colombian government to renew its TPS program for new Venezuelan arrivals. Refugees International also supports resettlement in the United States of Venezuelans and other displaced people in Colombia.