Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) supports the work of JRS Colombia in Barrancabermeja and the Magdalena Medio region.

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Colombia has been accompanying forcibly displaced people and local host communities in these areas since 1995. Their work focuses on strengthening relationships between displaced people and host populations to facilitate the integration of forcibly displaced families who struggle to adjust to their new environment and face the ever-present threat of violence in the area.

Though a historic peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) was signed in 2016, violence and strife continue to persist. As of 2022, over 9 million people in Colombia were victims of the country’s 60-year armed conflict and had to leave their homes, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In recent years, Colombia has also faced the challenge of hosting and integrating 2.8 million forcibly displaced Venezuelans, a million of whom are living in precarious conditions.

The project focuses on capacity building and knowledge transfer, and promoting a culture of hospitality. It also aims to increase the local integration of women through income generation and community initiatives.

The project at a glance:

Beneficiaries

Direct: 272 people including women, men, boys, and girls from the communities, along with migrants, refugees, and internally displaced Colombians

Indirect:  1,152 people from the communities, migrants, refugees

Budget:

$276,648 CAD (two years)

Activities

  • Community initiatives, including for healing, peace and reconciliation, hospitality
  • Leadership training
  • Exchange of experiences
  • Livelihood programs, education for work, technical support
  • Psychosocial support
  • Humanitarian aid

 

Director: Fr Juan Enrique Casas SJ

Visit the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) website:: jrs.net/en/country/colombia/

Please support the work of JRS Colombia by making a donation:

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