DWS - Colombia

DWS Country Programs
Colombia

A woman helps to build her new bamboo house in the El Oasis settlement, Ibagué.
© LWF/DWS Colombia/D. Pérez Mateus

Colombia is the only Latin American nation suffering internal armed conflict. Fighting that began nearly 50 years ago as a result of unequal land and resource distribution and a lack of political alternatives has evolved into a struggle for territorial control by different armed groups with economic and political interests. Peace and demobilization efforts have not involved all the actors nor addressed the root causes of the fighting. The protracted internal strife has forced approximately 3.8 million people from their homes; worldwide, Colombia is second only to Sudan in its number of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Two boys proudly show their contribution to the day's meals. © LWF/DWS Colombia/D. Pérez Mateus

Beginning in 2002, DWS implemented several emergency IDP assistance projects in coordination with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO). In 2006 the DWS Colombia program was established at IELCO’s invitation.

World Service Colombia focuses on peace building and reconciliation through empowerment of the affected population and promotion of peace initiatives. The program strives to strengthen communities so that they can overcome the impact of the conflict, manage risk situations and prevent further displacement. Activities also assist each and every person to reclaim their right to a life in dignity.

World Service Colombia priorities include:

Empowering communities suffering from the effects of armed conflict and poverty
World Service fosters economic self-reliance activities aimed at ensuring food security and generating resources so that communities can break the spiral of violence.

An elderly woman receives nourishment from a community kitchen in Piedecuesta, Santander.
© LWF/DWS Colombia/D. Pérez Mateus

Ensuring human rights for all Colombians
World Service accompanies and provides protection for leaders, communities and organizations defending the rights of the population. An essential component of the DWS Colombia program, human rights work aims to address systemic causes and make an impact at a structural level.

Supporting the creation of peaceful alternatives
By backing local initiatives directed at increasing communities’ resistance to armed groups, World Service strives to prevent the conflict from spreading. World Service also lends support to national proposals made to international organizations and third party governments.
Increasing international awareness of the situation in Colombia
World Service supports the advocacy efforts of national organizations working to increase awareness worldwide of the conflict’s impact on the civilian population in Colombia.
Responding to emergencies and promoting sustainable risk management
DWS Colombia centers on risk management as a means of preventing further displacement of the population. In addition, World Service supports emergency response efforts following conflict or natural disaster in the communities it serves. An ongoing project funded by the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) contributes to the protection of indigenous people and peasants facing displacement and confinement in the Arauca province.