Sweden’s work focuses on two areas: peace and security, and human rights and democratic governance. The target is for sustainable peace to contribute to better living conditions and the opportunity to take an active part in social life. In its role as a bridge-builder and with its broad contacts, Sweden can have a positive influence on events here.
To carry out our work, we work with many different stakeholders, civil society, the Ministry of Agriculture and several UN agencies. Many Swedish civil society-organizations are also active in Colombia.
One strategic issue is to help break down the political and social exclusion in which major groups of Colombians live.
Sweden is also providing considerable humanitarian assistance, which is guided by the Swedish strategy for humanitarian efforts. The main parties are the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNHCR and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Humanitarian aid is directed primarily to internally displaced persons and to strengthen the Colombian state's capacity to find viable solutions to the internal refugee crisis.
The United Nation’s Development Programme (UNDP) is receiving support from Sweden for REDES, a programme for reconciliation and development. REDES operates in regions that have been heavily affected by the armed conflict.
Sweden is actively driving a political dialogue in Colombia. Civil society, including women’s organizations and peace movements, plays an important role in peace building. Through a special fund, we support more than 30 organizations in the Colombian civil society.
Human rights and democratic governance
Violations of human rights are common in Colombia. The attacks are mainly committed by the illegal armed groups, but also by government players. Those who are particularly vulnerable include children and young people, women’s organizations, indigenous people, Afro-Colombians, trade union activists, journalists and lawyers. Those who defend human rights in Colombia are subjected to both threats and murder.
Human rights include gender equality. Women’s representation and their access to justice will be observed in the work for democracy. Sweden’s support will also mostly focus on individuals and groups that are particularly affected by the conflict, and protecting internally displaced people is a priority. The majority of those internally displaced are women and children.
Sweden is supporting efforts that contribute towards strengthening civil society and ensuring the state discharges its responsibility to its citizens. For example, Sweden is one of the biggest donors to Colombia’s ombudsman for human rights. The ombudsman also has a presence in the rural areas, where there are sometimes no authorities other than the military. The inhabitants can submit reports to the ombudsman, who acts as a link to other authorities.
During 2012-2013, we focus in particular on:
1. Implementation of the law on assistance to victims of the conflict and the return of stolen land,
2.Strategic actions on human rights with particular focus on human rights defenders
3.Women as actors for peace in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 Women, Peace and Security
