Colombia

Colombia

HIAS carries out a group workshop on GBV prevention and response in the presence of Colombia Country Director, Camilo Ramírez, in Arauca, February 8, 2024. (Natalia Gardeazabal/HIAS)

Colombia hosts the largest population of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean, with more than 2.8 million residing in the country. In recent years, Colombia has also received around 845,000 returnees from Venezuela, many of whom had been living abroad for significant periods of time.

HIAS supports displaced people to rebuild their lives and reunite with family members in safety and freedom. HIAS Colombia focuses on supporting single women, women-headed households, survivors of violence, victims of the armed conflict, and others.

HIAS Colombia works with Venezuelan refugees and migrants, Colombian returnees from Venezuela, internally displaced people, and host communities.

150,000+

people have received services from HIAS Colombia until March 2025

Our Work in Colombia

HIAS focuses on the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls, community-based mental health and psychosocial support, economic inclusion, and protection actions. Working closely with government institutions, partner organizations, the private sector, and refugee communities, HIAS Colombia promotes local integration and access to rights and services. HIAS operates with the support of AECID, DAFI, ECHO, NIH, the Hilton Foundation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UNHCR Colombia.

We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

Provide Legal Support

Through our economic empowerment work, we ensure refugees have safe economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and contribute to their communities.

Promote Economic Empowerment

HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

Support Community Mental Health

A HIAS staff member speaks with a woman and girl about HIAS' programs to address violence against women and girls. End Violence Against Women and Girls | HIAS

We help women and girls access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and engaging communities in change.

Learn More

We provide legal support to help displaced people know their rights, have access to protective services—including access to health, employment, and social services—and help them navigate the often-complicated legal systems that lead to permanent status and security.

Provide Legal Support

Impact Story

Displaced Students Pursue Their Dreams in Colombia

145 displaced students received a scholarship to complete their university studies with the support of HIAS, DAFI, and UNHCR in Colombia and Ecuador. The program also provides students with psychological support during their studies to teach them stress reduction techniques, as well as with cash and voucher assistance (CVA) to cover their basic needs.

Read more

Read Memorias HIAS Colombia 2024 here.

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: [email protected]. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at [email protected].

Together, we can help create a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and opportunity.

Your gift will help us provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

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