A group of children in Colombia laughing and clapping
Where we work

Colombia

Fifty years of armed conflict, natural and climate-related disasters have resulted in Colombia having one of the largest internally displaced populations in the world.

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A staggering 6.8 million people are displaced in Colombia. 

Since August 2017, the number of children in need has steadily increased due to the millions of Venezuelan families who have been forced to cross the border because of violence and a severe lack of food.

Colombian children are facing significant child protection risks, including recruitment into armed groups, gender-based violence, and forced displacement. Many children suffer from long-term mental and psychosocial distress as a result.

Scale of the challenge

  • 2.5 M

    People in need of humanitarian assistance

  • 6.8 M

    People are internally displaced

  • 61 %

    increase in grave violations against children by 2023

Our work in Colombia

We focus on strengthening children’s resilience and wellbeing. We support those who are heavily impacted by armed conflict, including hard-to-reach groups such as indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, as well as marginalised young people.

Working in the departments of Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Bogotá, Chocó, and Guajira, our approach involves close collaboration with local and national organisations, particularly youth-led civil society organisations, throughout all stages of the project cycle. This ensures meaningful participation and a comprehensive understanding of community needs, capacities, and resources.

Neiker, a War Child facilitator in Colombia.
TBC
We have helped to strengthen the existing protection structures in the community through training sessions and talks including reinforcing information about the rights of children.
Neiker, Community Facilitator

War Child programmes include:

  • Community-level child protection to address child protection risks caused by armed conflict, such as forced recruitment and utilisation of children and youth.
  • Empowering young people to advocate for their rights and influence duty bearers.
  • Working with parents and caregivers to improve their mental wellbeing and develop positive parenting skills.
  • Providing mental health support to children through play and movement-based activities.

 

Project focus - Seeds for Child Protection

The structures that protect children often break down in times of humanitarian crisis, exposing them to significant risks to their safety. Through Seeds for Child Protection we work with local communities to identify child protection issues and develop action plans and interventions.

War Child Community Facilitator Neiker working with childing through the Seeds for Child Protection programme.
We won’t stop until every child living through conflict is safe from harm.  But we can’t do it without you. 

Donate to War Child today and help us be there for children in Colombia and other conflict zones around the world.

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