The SDC primarily focuses its efforts in Colombia on delivering basic services and strengthening protection for victims of conflicts. However, these efforts also extend to other areas, including water access, water management and sanitation projects.
Colombia
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Embassy |
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Mission / Delegation / Permanent Representation |
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Consulate general |
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Honorary representation |
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Cooperation office |
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Contribution Office |
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Embassy with Cooperation Office |
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Embassy with Regional consular center |
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Swiss Business Hub |
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Swissnex |
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City |
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Capital |
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Disputed border |
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River |
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Lake |
In 2012, the Colombian government announced that it would start formal peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This process led to the adoption of several pieces of legislation, including the Victims and Land Restitution Act. Although roundly applauded nationally and internationally, certain factions continue to oppose these negotiations, and organised violence remains an intractable problem. The SDC concentrates its efforts in Colombia on alleviating the worrying humanitarian situation faced by the victims of conflict. Its general strategy is designed to advance the processes towards conflict resolution and reconciliation. SDC cooperation in Colombia comes in a range of forms, including bilateral and multilateral partnerships, as well as direct action.
Swiss International Cooperation |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 * |
|---|---|---|---|
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
mill. CHF |
|
SDC |
|||
Bilateral development cooperation |
0.28 | 0.18 | – |
Humanitarian aid |
11.08 | 10.21 | 12.00 |
State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) |
|||
Economic Cooperation and Development |
15.80 | 19.93 | 20.43 |
Total SDC/SECO |
27.16 | 30.32 | 32.43 |
Other Federal Offices |
|||
FDFA Human Security Division |
1.29 | 1.73 | 1.14 |
| Network of FDFA representations abroad | – | 1.27 | – |
State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) |
0.22 | 0.20 | – |
Total other Federal Offices |
1.51 | 3.20 | 1.14 |
Cantons and municipalities |
1.73 | – | – |
Total |
30.40 |
33.52 | 33.57 |
Swiss government spending for development and cooperation for the current year and the past two years, broken down by institution.
* planned; total based on available data
SDC figures excluding program contributions to Swiss NGOs
.. = figures not available | – = nil or amount < 5'000 CHF
Humanitarian Aid
Delivery of basic services to victims of conflict
Emergency humanitarian aid covers the basic needs of conflict-affected communities by giving them access to drinking water, and providing them with food and primary health care. This action not only secures the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, but also builds their institutional and organisational capacities, thereby equipping them to participate in the reconciliation process. The SDC is particularly active in rural areas.
Land governance
Protectionfor victims of conflict: land restitution
The Victims and Land Restitution Act, which was adopted in 2011, includes a number of mechanisms to protect the civilian population. They draw on the «Do-No-Harm» approach, which seeks to ensure that aid does not become a new source of conflict. This approach comprises three main strands:
- strengthening institutions
- capacity building (individual level)
- knowledge management
The Minister of Agriculture is responsible for administering the Act according to this approach, and is assisted in this process by experts from the National University of Colombia together with CDA-Collaborative Learning Projects, an American organisation.
Engagement in fragile contexts and prevention of violent conflicts
Water
Guaranteeing vulnerable communities access to water; improving sanitation and water management
Everyone, especially those living in rural communities, is entitled to a sustainable supply of water, as well as adequate sanitation. As part of a public-private partnership, Swiss and Colombian firms studied household water consumption. Their findings paved the way for a pilot project designed to improve water management in Colombia. In turn, the knowledge and experience acquired during the project led to the launch of a second phase, this time involving seven major Colombian firms. The National Cleaner Production Centre (NCPC) coordinates the project.
History of cooperation
From humanitarian aid to transition support
In 2001, the SDC opened an office in Bogota to oversee its humanitarian programme designed to improve the living conditions of victims of armed conflict. Colombia has also been an SDC priority country since 2009.
Links
Documents
Current projects
Selection
Colombia: HI: Comprehensive approach to mine action in the departments of Cacua and Nariño
07.08.2017
- 06.12.2018
SDC will support HI in strenghtning and complementing the institutional and community capaxity to manage min eaction with a differential approach (indigenous, peasant and afro-descendant) in the departments of Cauca and Nariño, under the Government's Rapid Response Strategy that is being implemented as part of the peace agreement signed with the FARC. The focus of the 2nd phase will be on a comprehensive approach (mine risk education, humanitarian demining, victim assistance and rehabilitation, and advocacy) that will bring a broader support to victims and vulnerable communities; and will link mine action dto developments programs as contribution towards peacebuilding in Colombia.
Strenghtening local communities and public officials’ capacities to manage conflicts over land and territories in seven departments in Colombia
15.07.2017
- 14.11.2019
SDC has supported the implementation of Land Restitution Policy throughout institutional strengthening and context analysis by applying situational approach. Due to the land restitution process’ ongoing challenges and the requirements of the Peace Agreement (with FARC), the partners have identified the necessity to work directly with rural communities and territorial authorities to develop their capacities to manage conflicts over land, and integrate into the strategy articulated actions between the local population, the authorities and the academy for the land policy’s future in Colombia.
RNEC: provide legal identity for vulnerable people located in areas of FARC Demobilization
15.06.2017
- 31.01.2020
SDC will support the National Institution for the Registry of Civil Status (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil RNEC in Spanish) in the process of registration of vulnerable population located in areas where the demobilization of FARC will be carried out. Access to legal registration is a measure of protection of communities at risk or affected by armed conflict, and will also allow access to other basic and social services, such as health and education.
NRC: Protection, humanitarian assistance and durable solutions for people affected by the armed conflict in Chocó and by the humanitarian crisis on the border Colombia-Venezuela
15.06.2017
- 31.12.2019
SDC will support NRC in reducing the vulnerability of the population affected by the ongoing armed conflict in Chocó and by the humanitarian crisis on the border Colombia-Venezuela. On one hand, responding to the impacts as a result of the prolonged crisis within Venezuela, the population is expected to develop the capacity to identify protection risks and strategies to mitigate them. On the other hand, as for the internal situation in Chocó in the frame of the victims’ reparation, the project seeks to promote their active participation in processes addressed to implement durable solutions.
Colombia: ACH-E; Schools and communities for peace - recovery of the social, productive and economic conditions of 14 communities affected by armed violence in the departments of Putumayo, Cordoba and Nariño
01.04.2017
- 30.09.2019
SDC will support ACH-E in finding lasting solutions to peace and the recovery of population affected by the armed conflict/violence in the departments of Putumayo, Cordoba and Nariño. The focus of the 5th phase will be on improve authorities capacities to address early recovery needs and guarantee the delivery of basic services, while bridges between the state institutions and the communities will be strengthened.
ApS: Territory as a space for peace: governance, education for peace and access to basic services and livelihoods as key elements for development and post-conflict in the Pacific Region
01.04.2017
- 31.12.2019
SDC will support ApS in improving living conditions of rural and ethnic communities in the Pacific Region affected by the armed conflict and natural events with a rights-based approach. The focus of this phase will be on an exit strategy that links humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and development in four departments that were under the influence of the FARC. It will contribute to peacebuilding efforts in Colombia while addressing humanitarian needs in zones where armed violence has increased and state responses have been weak.
Colombia: Save the Children; Strengthening of Protective Environments for children in high risk of forced recruitment and sexual exploitation
01.03.2017
- 31.08.2018
Protection of children and youth affected by armed violence and/or natural disasters, in the municipalities of Tierralta and Puerto Libertador (Córdoba)
15.02.2017
- 14.02.2020
The history of Colombia has been strongly affected by the omnipresence of armed conflict and violence. Even with the implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC, armed violence is expected to persist due to the presence of other non-state armed actors, especially in peripheral regions and poor urban areas. Several regions will remain affected by violence and human rights violations (i.e. social control by armed groups, limitation on mobility and access, use and recruitment of minors, sexual gender-based violence, threats, extortions), which requires protection and preventive actions for the affected populations. In addition, in rural and urban areas of Córdoba, the access to safe water and sanitation services is limited due to absence of state actors, which increase the vulnerability of the population.
SuizAgua América Latina - El Agua nos Une
01.01.2016
- 31.12.2020
Water management being one of the main challenges of the 21st century, the generation of knowledge to make decisions and collaboration between different sectors; are the axis of the present and future well-being of humanity. The initiative “El Agua Nos Une” articulates the work of public institutions, business associations and research organisations. It aims at: i) scaling corporate water stewardship in Colombia; ii) strengthening knowledge on water uses, particularly in the agricultural sector; iii) contributing to the national water quality and quantity monitoring program; iv) developing an investment scheme in ecosystem services; and; v) facilitating a community of practice on water footprint and corporate water management in Latin America
Handicap International: Comprehensive action against Antipersonnel Mines (APM) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) in three departments of Colombia.
01.08.2015
- 31.05.2017
The five decades running armed conflict in Colombia continues to cause humanitarian needs such as internal displacement, landmine contamination and the recruitment of minors by armed groups. Departments of Nariño, Cauca and Cordoba, by geography serve as strategic corridor to the Pacific and Caribe for the cultivation, production and trafficking of drugs, weapons and illegal mining among others, becoming scenario of social conflicts and armed confrontation. Rural communities in those departments are among the most affected by antipersonnel mines (APM) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) which generate victims with poor access to physical and psychosocial services, as well as option for social, economic and educational inclusion.
Multi-Country Investment Climate Program
01.01.2017
- 31.12.2024
The Multi-Country Investment Climate Program (MCICP) supports investment climate reform advisory in a total of 20 SECO partner countries. It is implemented by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a globally recognized leader in this field.
Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Phase II
01.12.2016
- 31.12.2021
SECO is partnerning with the World Bank to implement the Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Program to support primarily SECO priority countries in building their financial resilience to natural disasters. Countries receive technical assistance helping them in their advance planning of financing needs in the case of natural disasters.
