COLOMBIA II

For over 50 years, Colombia had been ravaged by a violent conflict involving armed groups and drug cartels. The conflict officially ended with a peace agreement in 2016. However, the agreement has not yet been fully implemented: Armed violence continues in some regions and continues to drive thousands of people to flee within their own country. Children, young people and especially the Afro-Colombian and indigenous population suffer most from the outbreaks of violence and the associated risks and restrictions. And not to forget, eight million people have been fleeing this conflict to other parts of the country, and many have not been able to return to this day.

Additionally, Colombia is not only confronted with the suffering of internally displaced persons, but also with the humanitarian challenge of the approximately 1.8 million Venezuelan refugees. They are fleeing persistent insecurity, violence and persecution, hoping for a better future in their neighbouring country. The impoverishment and local circumstances, combined with the large influx of people seeking protection, are draining the Colombian population’s willingness to help. This in turn makes it difficult for the displaced or refugees to deal with trauma, integrate into the host communities and build a new life.

To support the integration of refugee children and their families, the Football Club Social Alliance (FCSA), in cooperation with the local partners, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Fútbol con Corazón (FCC), trained 41 young, committed people to become children’s football coaches. The participants have the task of using football to convey values such as acceptance, openness, and tolerance, thereby promoting the integration of refugee children and peaceful coexistence in their communities. The project contributes to creating a safe environment for children and supports UNHCR’s efforts to reduce xenophobia and discrimination.