OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

More than four decades of internal violence has resulted in Colombia dealing with one of the largest displaced populations in the world, with more than three million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The ongoing conflict in the country continues to affect the civilian population, who face human rights abuses, abductions, poor access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and increasing humanitarian needs in the areas of health and nutrition. In supporting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), CIDA's contribution is used to help United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations, donors and the Colombian government in identifying and providing for humanitarian needs of civilian populations. Activities include revising national and local contingency plans with a particular focus on disasters and protection issues, strategic advocacy of humanitarian principles and issues, and action-oriented activities to help increase awareness of victims' rights.