Human Rights Protection in Colombia

Results achieved as of March 2013 include: The National Registry Office was supported in delivering 154 018 national identity cards and other civil registry documents to children and youth and their families at risk of displacement. Nine Prevention and Protection Plans were prepared with indigenous and Afro-Colombian organizations strengthening at-risk communities living in conflict-affected areas. Seventeen schools in conflict and displacement-affected areas were rehabilitated to provide better and safe education for children and youth. In total over the 3 years of project implementation 53 school facilities have been equipped improved and rehabilitated. Ten youth organizations against forced recruitment were supported by UNHCR to provide safe environments for children and youth affected by the armed conflict. In 2012 an additional 43 youth organizations benefitted from capacity building initiatives. In total 51 protection measures were implemented to reduce the forced recruitment of minors. These include direct advocacy with Colombian authorities in specific protection cases the strengthening of youth participation in municipal councils training workshops with communities on the prevention and protection from forced recruitment as well as community-based theatre and recreational activities. Seventeen training workshops were provided to governments community groups and oversight institutions on protection and prevention of internal displacement. At the end of the project a total of 263 training workshops were provided by UNHCR. These workshops supported recent institutional changes that have improved the rights of internally displaced persons as well as the launch in 2011 of the Victims and Land Restitution Law.