Like this edition of the à propos, the third episode of the Podcast published by KOFF will take a closer look at the connection between peace and migration. Within this topic, we will talk about anti-migration narratives and its connection to a durable peace.

With the deterioration of living conditions in Venezuela about six years ago, many people, who had once found a stable living in the country, had to look for alternatives. The closest one was the neighbouring country Colombia. Since then, many people have crossed the border legally as well as illegally. While Colombia finds itself in the midst of a transition to end the long lasting armed conflict and build peace, it now faces a new migratory phenomenon. One the one hand, many individuals and civil society groups show solidarity, but on the other hand, social rejection and anti-migration sentiments can be found. The current pandemic was yet another event increasing tensions around this phenomenon and placing them in the centre of public debates.

Different voices from Venezuela, Colombia and Switzerland shed light on the current situation in Colombia and analyze the impact that migration narratives, may they be negative or positive, can have on a durable peace. The podcast is facilitated by Hannah-Milena Elias and can now be found on Soundcloud.