Colombia

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.

Map of Colombia
© FDFA

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.

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.

Humanitarian Aid

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.

Water

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.

Current projects

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Contributions to WFP protracted crises Country Strategic Plans in 2024

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024

The World Food Programme (WFP) is one of Switzerland’s key multilateral partners due to its unique double mandate of "saving lives" and "changing lives" around food security. The WFP Strategic Plan 2022-2025 lays out the overall objectives in order to eradicate hunger. Contributing to WFP programmes in selected countries with protracted humanitarian needs allows Switzerland to achieve the humanitarian and development goals defined in its Strategy on International Cooperation for 2021-2024.


Contributions 2024 to ICRC Country Programs in protracted crises

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2024

The ICRC is the most important partner of SDC in the humanitarian field. About one third of the SDC Humanitarian Aid budget is allocated to the ICRC. The contribution of CHF 56 million to ICRC country programs reflects Switzerland’s interest to have a strong ICRC throughout the world and to contribute to alleviate the suffering of people affected by conflicts.


Colombia: MIRE+, Assistance to Victims of Violence

01.10.2023 - 31.07.2025

The humanitarian crisis in Colombia continues despite growing efforts towards peace. Armed groups fighting for territory and valuable natural resources inflict extreme harm on rural and ethnic communities. In line with the Swiss interest to respond to humanitarian crises, SDC remains dedicated to supporting these communities, enhancing their individual and collective resilience. The project integrates humanitarian action with a developmental and peace orientation (nexus).


JPOs4UN Programme 2023-2028

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2028

The JPOs4UN programme aims at increasing the presence of Switzerland in the UN by augmenting the number of Swiss nationals working in SDC priority UN organizations. Switzerland directly funds partner humanitarian UN organizations to hire 11 Swiss young professionals on a three-year Junior Programme Officer contract; the Swiss foundation CINFO provides administrative support and career counselling. Swiss nationals add to a qualified and diverse UN workforce to implement the Agenda 2030.


Regional Protection and Migration Programme

01.05.2022 - 15.11.2025

Latin America faces the second largest forced displacement crisis in the world with 7.1 million people forcibly displaced from Venezuela, Central America, the Caribbean and other continents. 6.2 million more are displaced in their own country. Persons in human mobility need protection against gender-based violence, exploitation and exclusion. In Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, Switzerland addresses causes and consequences of displacement, providing aid, striving for integration and supporting actors to protect the most vulnerable.


Integrated Mine Action Program Phase 1: 2021-2025

01.07.2021 - 30.06.2025

SDC will continue supporting Colombia to meet its international commitment to be free of landmines by 2025 (Ottawa Treaty), thereby contributing to the Peace Agreement and the 2030 Agenda. The first phase (2021-2023) of the Mine Action Programme will assist mine victims and affected communities with demining operations, protection measures and socioeconomic recovery. It will also support authorities in leading and coordinating the Mine Action sector.


El Agua Nos Une - Water stewardship: evidence-based decisions

01.01.2021 - 31.03.2026

Based on Switzerland’s decade long experience on private sector engagement and empowerment of public institutions, El Agua Nos Une programme focuses on strengthening evidence-based decisions for better water governance, in 4 Latin American countries. It envisions systemic change towards corporate water use efficiency and pollution mitigation, mobilizing stakeholders and investments in ecosystem preservation; contributing to a more equitable society and responsible water use.


Colombia más Competitiva, Phase III

01.05.2025 - 31.12.2028

Colombia más Competitiva (C+C) aims to continue supporting Colombia in improving the competitiveness and diversification of its economy. Furthermore, this final phase is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of the structures developed to date and to strengthen economic relations between Colombia and Switzerland.


IDB COMPASS Program Colombia, Phase II

01.01.2025 - 31.12.2027

The IDB COMPASS Programme supports Colombia in fostering corporate development of water and sanitation utilities in urban areas. Phase I of the COMPASS Programme achieved important results at the national policy level as well as at the utilities level. Phase II of this Programme aims at their consolidation and sustainability.


Global Energy Districts Program (GEDP)

01.11.2024 - 30.11.2027

Energy Districts are interconnected buildings in urban and industrial areas that use thermal energy for heating and cooling. They link production, recovery and supply of energy and are hence energy efficient. Combined with renewable energy sources, they contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and thus to fighting climate change.


ETH Urban Transformation Program 2.0, Colombia

01.02.2024 - 31.12.2027

The Urban Transformation Programme, implemented in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ) in Colombia, promotes innovative infrastructure prototypes designed to trigger inclusive urban and economic development in under-privileged neighbourhoods of Colombian cities.


Global Eco-Industrial Parks Program, Phase II

01.01.2024 - 31.12.2028

Industry accounts for a significant portion of global emissions, and has wide-reaching environmental and community impacts. The transformation of Industrial Parks (IPs) to Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) can make a significant contribution to Resource Efficient Cleaner Production, avoidance of waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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