The country’s approach aims to help, protect and find solutions for these groups while addressing the causes of their movement, the representative explained in a recent meeting with Vice President Francia Márquez.
It is important, he stressed, that the displaced people are actively integrated into the government-led peace process so that their voices are heard.
There are about 6.9 million displaced people in Colombia who urgently need help and solutions to their situation, he noted during a three-day official visit to the South American country with large population movements.
The Darién region between Colombia and Panama is the epicenter of migratory transit in the region, despite the high risks in this jungle area.
At least 470,000 refugees and migrants have dared to cross it this year, with hundreds of them dying in the attempt.
The complex mixed movements of refugees and migrants “require real shared responsibility and a comprehensive route-based approach,” warned the head of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
“More help for people on the move, especially for vulnerable groups, is crucial. “It is also necessary to provide more support to host countries for the protection and inclusion of vulnerable people, create additional safe and legal pathways, and address the root causes of these movements,” he specified.
The United Nations believes Colombia’s voice is essential at the Global Refugee Forum in December to share best practices and lessons learned and contribute to solutions for migrants and their host countries.
The meeting will be the world’s largest international meeting on these populations and Colombia is one of the organizers.
ro/ebr