F.a: Livelihoods, Protection and Peace Building

General

Colombia is officially an upper middle income country, but also one of the most unequal countries in the world. Income inequality is huge and land ownership is concentrated in the hands of the few (0.4% own 61% of the land). Indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombians are the most disadvantaged, and the provinces they live in, are among the poorest and most violent in the country. The peace agreement between Colombian government and the FARC ended a long armed conflict but did not bring real peace, as the vacuum left by the guerrillas has been filled by paramilitary organisations and the ELN, and violence and the murders of defenders of human rights and land rights have even increased. According to the official statistics, the number of internally displaced persons has already reached almost 7 million. Direct results: the project communities adapt and protect their livelihoods in the face of regional conflicts and climate change. Participating populations, especially women, will take a leading role in conflict resolution processes and contribute to protection, social cohesion and risk management. Beneficiaries of the activities are vulnerable families and communities in the areas of intervention, peacebuilders (especially women), community leaders and local organisations. The implementing partner is Lutheran World Federation (LWF). It is an international actor with presence in its areas of operation, working with local communities and organisations. Its strength are the multidisciplinary and holistic approach, the triple nexus of humanitarian, development and peace work. The trust and credibility gained with other civil society actors, the Colombian authorities and armed actors allows access to conflict areas, facilitates establishing links between communities and local authorities, contributing to the improvement of living conditions for communities and paving the way for advocacy at regional, national and international level. https://www.lutheranworld.org/