Switzerland’s cooperation strategy in Colombia for the 2017-2020 period is based on the concept of complementary commitments pursued by a number of administrative entities. These are the Human Security Division (HSD), the Swiss Agency for Cooperation and Development (SDC) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Action is planned in three different areas: protection of affected population, peacebuilding and human rights, and inclusive and sustainable economic development. The first two of these areas of intervention, where a joint action is being taken by the HSD and the SDC are described below. The contributions being made, spread over four years, are CHF 7 million and CHF 35 million respectively.

The first area of intervention will focus on more remote areas where the absence of the rule of law is felt most keenly. It will involve setting up and supporting systems for protecting the most vulnerable populations (humanitarian mine clearance, protection of local human rights activists, schemes to combat gender-related violence, etc.) and strengthening local institutions.

The second area of intervention will focus on establishing the right conditions for lasting conflict transformation. Switzerland’s aid aims to promote access to better living conditions, to apply the Victims and Land Restitution Law, to support transitional justice systems and lastly to promote peaceful and democratic governance.

With this strategy, Switzerland intends to enhance the coherence of its action by fostering synergies between the entities. This is essential given the complexity of a conflict that has lasted for nearly half a century and has affected all parts of Colombian society. Within this context, Switzerland is renewing its commitment to one of its closest partners on the continent.

Author: Carlos-Felipe Correa Gonzalez