OBJECTIVE

USAID’s Inclusion for Peace Activity (IPA) aims to foster the social and economic inclusion of Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities that have been disproportionally affected by the conflict as a means to advance peace and reconciliation in Colombia.  With approximately one fifth of its population self-identifying as Afro-Colombian or indigenous, Colombia is a diverse and culturally-rich nation.  However, despite significant constitutional, legal, and policy advances, the country faces challenges in embracing its multi-cultural heritage and responding to the concrete needs of its ethnic communities.

The armed conflict has taken a heavy toll on Colombia’s ethnic communities.  Indigenous persons are 3.28 times more likely to be displaced than the rest of the population, and 45.8 percent of Afro-Colombians have suffered at least one form of victimization, most notably displacement or loss of a relative.  The peace agreement reached between the FARC and the Government of Colombia (GOC) marked a unique opportunity for the government, ethnic communities, and the country, as a whole, to recognize and value the country’s diversity and respond to the effects of the armed conflict in these communities.

IPA implements a cross-cutting and integrated approach that recognizes the specific necessities, interests, and realities of the Afro-Colombian and indigenous people with respect to disability, gender, sexual orientation, and age.  IPA is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in nine departments (Antioquia, Bolivar, Cauca, Chocó, Cundinamarca, Guaviare, La Guajira, Nariño, and Valle del Cauca) and runs from November 2016 – November 2020.

COMPONENTS

Enhancing Government and Civil Society Capacity

IPA enhances GOC efforts to respond to the needs of conflict-affected ethnic communities and foster greater engagement of these communities in peacebuilding.  The activity works with GOC institutions and civil society to support the implementation of the peace agreements as they relate to ethnic communities.  The activity also partners with public entities to strengthen their capacity to develop and implement plans that safeguard the rights of ethnic groups, including prior consultation processes.

By supporting youth leadership, defending ethnic rights, enhancing peacebuilding initiatives, and supporting ethnic-led territorial development, IPA strengthens the organizational capacity of ethnic organizations and traditional authorities.  The activity also promotes dialogue across sectors to reach consensus on key public policy debates, such as the implementation of the Ethnic Chapter of the Peace Agreements, labor force inclusion, and productive initiatives.

Reducing Proverty and Increasing Access to Economic Opportunities

IPA works in partnership with private sector companies to foster job placement opportunities, promote business development, strengthen existing enterprises, and increase agricultural production in the rural sector.  The activity works with businesses to develop inclusive practices that increase formal employment opportunities for Afro-Colombians and the indigenous.  This model links competitiveness, innovation, and value creation with social change, human need, and community strengthening.  IPA also strengthens income-generating activities and entrepreneurship with elements such as opportunity identification, demand-based training, technical assistance, formalization strategies, and financial inclusion.

Promoting Ethnic Awareness and Inclusion

IPA supports cultural and communications campaigns to increase awareness and respect for ethnic diversity.  The activity partners with ethnic communities to preserve cultural heritage, and builds awareness and recognition of Afro-Colombian and indigenous cultures among the broader Colombian society.

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Improve the performance in language, mathematics, and civic competencies of 16,000 students in Afro-Colombian and indigenous territories.
• Improve access to formal job opportunities for 12,000 Afro-Colombians and indigenous persons.
• Benefit 7,000 households with inclusive business initiatives.
• Assist 9,000 households to surpass the poverty income line.