Colombia Crisis Response Plan 2025

CRP last updated: December 17 2024
$90,563,981
Funding required
381,934
People Targeted
490
Entities targeted

In partnership with strategic actors, IOM will strengthen key institutional and community capacities on anticipatory action, preparedness and response to emergency and crisis situations in Colombia, to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities of crisis-affected populations (internally displaced persons (IDPs), former combatants, migrants and host communities). Moreover, the mission supports sustainable recovery, community stabilization, peacebuilding and durable solutions at the national and local levels and will provide life-saving direct humanitarian assistance to people in need, migrants, and displaced people. 

IOM provided culturally adapted family kits to 520 households from ethnic communities in Nariño affected by the armed conflict. © IOM Colombia 2023

INFORM Risk

5.6, High 

INFORM Severity

5, Very high 

Human Development Index 

91 of 193 

In recent years, the humanitarian situation in Colombia has deteriorated due to a rise in crises driven by armed conflict, climate variability, and mixed migration flows—a trend that is expected to persist in the coming years. 

Stalled peace negotiations between the government and the National Liberation Army (ELN in Spanish) guerrilla group, alongside the collapse of the bilateral ceasefire on 3 August 2024, have heightened concerns about escalating violence, especially in rural and contested areas where confrontations over territorial control linked to illegal economies have emerged, accompanied by an expanded presence and influence of non-state armed groups (NSAG) and criminal organizations. As of November 2024, in Colombia, there are 9.8 million registered victims of the armed conflict (49.7% male and 50.3% female), of which 8,772,117are officially registered as internally displaced persons (IDPs) (Colombia Victims Unit, 2024). By mid-2024, over 373,000 people were affected by the armed conflict, with 42,634 people newly forcibly displaced (OCHA, 2024). Additionally, attacks on education have surged, with 125 incidents reported between January and July 2024, representing a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023 (NRC, 2024). 

In total, forced displacement and confinement due to clashes between non-state armed groups impacted approximately 183,400 people (January-July 2024), with the Pacific region being the hardest hit. The Amazon and southern Caribbean regions also experienced an unusual rise in humanitarian crises in 2024.

IOM Colombia actively engages with various governmental, inter-agency, and bilateral coordination mechanisms to enhance its crisis response programming at multiple levels. By appointing an internal Humanitarian Coordination Team, the mission works closely with national institutions, UN agencies, and other key stakeholders, ensuring an integrated approach across humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and migration-related forums. 

Following the signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in June 2024, IOM Colombia has aligned its actions with the broader UN strategy to address the evolving humanitarian needs in Colombia. The UNSDCF now includes a key output focused on strengthening institutional capacities for emergency response, recognizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country. This commitment has further solidified IOM Colombia’s leadership in coordinating actions with national and international stakeholders to enhance the government’s capacity to effectively respond to crises. 

IOM Colombia leads the merged Shelter and Settlements/CCCM Cluster and actively engages with other clusters such as Protection, Health, Education, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Food Security under the Humanitarian Country Team. This participation ensures a well-coordinated humanitarian response, addressing critical needs in regions experiencing double or triple impacts from internal displacement, migration, and conflict. The collaboration with local coordination teams, especially in areas such as La Guajira, Norte de Santander, and Nariño, facilitates the delivery of services such as water and sanitation, food security, child protection, and gender-based violence prevention, while preventing duplicative efforts across agencies. In addition, from an integrated, cross-cutting perspective involving all stakeholders and clusters, IOM actively participates in the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Inter-agency Task Force. This team provides guidance on incorporating essential actions into the humanitarian response to meet minimum PSEA standards. These actions include, among others, preventive measures, community awareness initiatives, safe reporting mechanisms, and a survivor-centered approach to appropriately respond to potential SEA victims. As part of the UNSDCF, IOM Colombia continues to coordinate with key actors such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Department, and the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation (APC-Colombia in Spanish).

The IOM Country Office in Colombia has supported the Government of Colombia (GoC) for 25 years, addressing migration-related issues across preparedness, emergency response, recovery, community stabilization, peacebuilding, and durable solutions. With its main office in Bogotá, three sub-offices, and 23 project sites across the country, IOM has a broad reach that allows it to address displacement and migration challenges, providing essential support to vulnerable communities. 

IOM Colombia’s strong field presence enables it to provide critical assistance and protection to migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a focus on durable solutions, access to rights, and sustainable reintegration. Additionally, the Country Office plays a significant role in decision-making and overall coordination with local authorities and other UN agencies. 

At the regional level, IOM Colombia plays a crucial role in coordinating migration management efforts, particularly through the Regional Interagency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela (R4V). Leveraging its technical expertise, operational capabilities, and conflict-sensitive approach, IOM collaborates closely with the Government of Colombia, civil society, and international partners. The R4V framework, focused specifically on addressing the Venezuelan migrant and refugee crisis, works in synergy with this CRP, ensuring targeted support for this population without overlapping with the broader goals addressed by the CRP. 

IOM’s mission in Colombia aligns with the Organization’s Strategic Results Framework and applies a conflict-sensitive lens in all phases of its interventions, to actively maximize positive impacts and foster resilience among affected populations. This approach is critical within Colombia’s unique context, where a nuanced understanding of local dynamics enables IOM to design and implement programs that contribute constructively to social cohesion, address root causes of conflict, and support sustainable peace alongside humanitarian relief and development efforts.  

Under Objective 1: Saving Lives and Protecting People on the Move, IOM provides humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, non-food items, cash-based interventions (CBI), and health services such as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for migrants and displaced persons. IOM also supports the health sector by procuring and delivering medicines and medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and strengthening local hospitals’ capacities, enabling them to provide quality healthcare and improve access for migrant and vulnerable populations. 

The ongoing armed conflict in Colombia has created complex humanitarian challenges, particularly regarding the rights and needs of victims. In this context, IOM plays a vital role in supporting the Colombian government with the Victims' Public Policy, aimed at providing comprehensive reparations. 

IOM assists the Government's Victims Unit by enhancing the reparation strategy through institutional strengthening and fostering victim participation in decision-making. This approach empowers victims and enhances the effectiveness of individual and collective reparation measures. Additionally, IOM provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Interior to integrate the Victims' Public Policy at the local level, ensuring sensitivity to local contexts. Collaboration with entities such as the Victims Unit and the Department of Social Prosperity highlights the importance of a coordinated effort to address victims' challenges. 

IOM is developing a new country strategy aligned with its Strategic Results Framework and Colombia's National Development Plan (2022-2026). This strategy emphasizes peacebuilding, reintegration, transitional justice, and the impact of climate change on displacement. It incorporates a direct humanitarian response to beneficiaries, ensuring that immediate needs are addressed alongside long-term goals. 

In alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, IOM coordinates closely with national and local authorities in the development of the Durable Solutions Strategy, with the aim to promote sustainable solutions for displacement-affected communities. 

As part of the transitional justice component of the Peace Agreement, IOM supports the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation, and Non-Repetition (SIVJRNR in Spanish), fostering the participation of survivors, victims, and former combatants in key processes. Additionally, IOM supports the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization (ARN in Spanish) in implementing policies for the reintegration of former combatants through sustainable projects and income-generating opportunities. 

To ensure effective implementation, IOM is drafting its 2025-2028 Country Office Strategy (COS). which will be closely coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Planning Department, and the Presidential Agency for International Cooperation (APC-Colombia in Spanish). 

Key Operating Modalities
Participation and empowerment Conflict sensitivity Integrated Programming Collaboration and partnership Localization Cash-based interventions
Cross-cutting priorities
Data and evidence Protection Mainstreaming Gender Equality Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse Disaster Risk Climate Change Law and policy

Under the Grand Bargain, and in line with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and Global Appeal, IOM Colombia is deeply committed to advancing the localization agenda. Through the R4V Platform / GIFMM, the mission has been actively supporting the leadership and response capacities of local and national actors (LNAs) and increasing financial transfers to them. With the shift toward locally-led crisis response modalities, IOM Colombia is uniquely positioned to leverage its hybrid model, which includes both directly implemented programmes and interventions carried out through local and national actors. By fostering meaningful partnerships with LNAs—who are often the first responders and continue their work post-crisis—IOM enhances the quality, sustainability, and reach of its efforts. 

Through the work of the Humanitarian Coordination Team, the country office aims to strengthen response capacity on the ground, focusing on communities as first responders, local governments with the necessary resources and capacities, and donors equipped with accurate information for decision-making.

Objective 1 - Saving lives and protecting people on the move
Saving lives and protecting people on the move

$39,549,708
Funding required
366,650
People Targeted
323
Entities Targeted
Primary target groups
Internally displaced person
Local population / community
Internal migrant
International migrant

To alleviate human suffering, reduce vulnerabilities, and safeguard the dignity and rights of those affected by crises IOM provides vital humanitarian assistance under Objective 1: Saving Lives and Protecting People on the Move. This includes shelter, food, non-food items, cash-based interventions (CBI), and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for migrants and displaced persons. In addition, and in coordination with governmental entities, IOM facilitates safe transfers and provides movement assistance in high-risk situations.  

IOM also strengthens local healthcare by supplying medicines and medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and training national healthcare workers to enhance primary health care (PHC), sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and respond to gender-based violence (GBV), with a focus on underserved rural areas. This preparedness approach ensures that communities are better equipped to manage and mitigate future health-related challenges. At the community level, IOM supports local health networks to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations, as well as community-based protection initiatives, contributing to long-term resilience and preparedness in the face of ongoing or future displacement crises. Its protection services also include legal counseling, psychosocial support, orientation in the face of emergencies and protection case management, particularly for women and children at risk of GBV and victims of trafficking, in crisis contexts.  

These actions align with Colombia’s Peace Agreement (Point 1.3.2.1) and the National Rural Health Plan, aiming to close healthcare gaps and improve resilience in conflict-affected areas while also enhancing local capacities for disaster preparedness and risk reduction. 

Objective 2 - Driving solutions to displacement
Driving solutions to displacement

$44,178,773
Funding required
152,840
People Targeted
167
Entities Targeted
Primary target groups
Internally displaced person
Local population / community
Former combatant / fighter
International migrant

Under Objective 2: Driving Solutions to Displacement, IOM Colombia contributes to ensuring displaced people benefit from sustainable solutions and access safe, voluntary, and dignified pathways to their reintegration. Through the socioeconomic reintegration of former combatants from the 2016 peace agreement, IOM minimizes adverse drivers of displacement by addressing structural challenges, promoting community self-sufficiency, and creating income-generating opportunities. Efforts also include family reunification with MHPSS support, including tailored methodologies for individuals with diverse SOGIESC and same-sex couples. 

IOM enhances resilience and prevents exclusion through youth-focused programs like Youth in Peace, which protect young individuals from recruitment by armed groups while strengthening protective environments. Collaborating with Agency for Reintegration and Normalization (ARN in Spanish), IOM strengthens transitional and restorative justice, reducing youth recidivism among former combatants. 

Additionally, IOM promotes sustainable livelihoods by supporting socioeconomic integration processes for IDPs, migrants and returnees, ensuring access to resources for their reintegration. With the Ministry of Mines and Energy, community-driven energy projects advance resilience and environmental sustainability. 

Through these actions, IOM Colombia and its partners foster peaceful coexistence, social cohesion, and sustainable development, addressing the drivers and impacts of displacement while building resilient and self-reliant communities. 

Facilitating pathways for regular migration
Facilitating pathways for regular migration

$6,835,500
Funding required
2,480
People Targeted
51
Entities Targeted
Primary target groups
Local population / community
Internal migrant
Refugee
International migrant

Under Objective 3: Facilitating Pathways for Regular Migration, IOM Colombia promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration for migrants and refugees affected by crises, including those impacted by the Colombian armed conflict and natural hazards. Recognizing crisis as a key driver of migration, IOM collaborates with the government to expand and improve regular pathways, ensuring that vulnerable populations, regardless of migration status or nationality, have access to protection and solutions. 

IOM provides critical information on migration options such as humanitarian parole, family reunification, temporary work visas, and labour mobility programmes, targeting crisis-affected migrants. Assistance includes raising awareness of regular pathways and providing support to prepare for and undertake safe journeys, addressing the urgent needs of those displaced by crises while facilitating their transition to sustainable, regular migration pathways. 

To protect migrants vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse, including trafficking and smuggling, IOM builds institutional capacity and enhances regular migration pathways, preventing exploitation and enabling safe migration. These efforts include technical support to governments to strengthen border management systems in crisis-affected areas, ensuring timely, effective responses to displacement and migration challenges caused by conflict and environmental hazards. 

Objective 1
Saving lives and protecting people on the move
$39,549,708
Funding required
[{"name":"Human suffering is alleviated","y":91},{"name":"Threats and vulnerabilities are reduced","y":6},{"name":"The quality of humanitarian assistance is enhanced","y":3}]
Objective 2
Driving solutions to displacement
$44,178,773
Funding required
[{"name":"Adverse drivers of displacement are minimized","y":53},{"name":"Displaced people are resilient and self-reliant","y":43},{"name":"Displaced people benefit from solutions","y":4}]
Objective 3
Facilitating pathways for regular migration
$6,835,500
Funding required
[{"name":"Channels for regular migration are sustainable and responsive","y":11},{"name":"Migration flows and cross-border mobility are well managed","y":89}]

Percentage of funding required contributing to the long term outcomes expressed on IOM's Strategic Results Framework.

$3,538,413
Funding required
Related inter agency plans
H(N)RP UNSDCF

IOM Colombia’s protection-centred approach prioritizes the human rights and well-being of crisis-affected populations, ensuring that all interventions reduce protection risks and promote safe programming across the CRP. This approach guides efforts to prevent harm, ensure meaningful access to assistance, foster participation and empowerment, and enhance accountability to affected populations (AAP). 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are key pillars in IOM’s programming. Across sectors such as WASH, health, shelter, livelihoods, and transitional justice, IOM ensures that marginalized groups, including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, have equitable access to services. Gender-responsive programming includes actions like providing menstrual hygiene management and creating platforms for women’s leadership. Likewise, IOM conducts accessibility audits to ensure that persons with disabilities can access services and that specific accommodations are made in infrastructure and service delivery.

$3,538,413
Funding required
[["Saving lives",37],["Solutions to displacement",53],["Pathways for regular migration",9]]
IOM provided non-food items, shelter support, and sexual and reproductive health services to approximately 4,550 people. © IOM Colombia 2023
IOM provided non-food items, shelter support, and sexual and reproductive health services to approximately 4,550 people. © IOM Colombia 2023
Camp coordination and camp management
$1,970,273 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP
Community stabilization and community-driven development
$4,238,458 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Data for action, insight and foresight
$400,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans UNSDCF
Disaster risk management
$275,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Health
$16,885,078 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Livelihoods and economic recovery
$1,500,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans UNSDCF
Mental health and psychosocial support
$15,035,606 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP
Movement assistance
$400,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP
Peacebuilding, violence and conflict reduction
$16,654,850 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Protection
$7,940,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Regular pathways
$5,919,000 Funding required
Shelter and settlements
$11,757,303 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP
Support services for response actors
$3,000,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP UNSDCF
Transitional justice
$500,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans UNSDCF
Water, sanitation and hygiene
$550,000 Funding required
Related inter agency plans H(N)RP
Operational presence in

Colombia

44
International staff and affiliated work force
1310
National staff and affiliated work force
4
IOM field office

 

The map used here is for illustration purposes only. Names and boundaries do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by IOM.

Figures are as of 31 December 2023. For more details of IOM's operational capacity in country, please see the IOM Capacity section.