Highlights
After the very narrow results of the plebiscite on the peace deal with FARC guerilla group (49.8 percent voted for and 50.2 voted against it ), a new renegotiation phase started, in order to find points of convergence with the opposition leaders and reach a final peace agreement. The United Nations reiterated its firm support to peace efforts in Colombia. UN international observers continue the preparations to coordinate the mechanism that will monitor and verify the bilateral ceasefire, which was agreed to be maintained. This mechanism seeks to guarantee the safety of communities and fighters from both sides.
Operational Updates
Colombia CO presented its new Country Strategy Plan (CSP 2017-2021) to UN agencies.
Opportunities for joint interventions were identified, as well as potential geographical areas. Meetings are scheduled to develop concrete proposals.WFP Colombia is conducting a study called “Evaluation of the effect of marketing interventions for women on economic empowerment and risk of Intimate Partner Violence in Colombia.” The project seeks to measure to what extent the increase of revenue, along with training on gender equality has an impact on the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV). To increase women’s revenue, WFP purchases agricultural products from prioritized farmer’s associations. Over 1500 women and 600 men benefited from training sessions on food security, gender issues, IPV prevention and marketing.
In the framework of a joint strategy with the Pan American Development Foundation and the Colombian Department of Social Prosperity (PS),
WFP supported over 5,000 Afro-Colombian and indigenous families in Choco province affected by extreme poverty, vulnerability or forced displacement. Through asset creation activities, 60 income generation initiatives were established and supported, such as community shops, sugar mills and craft businesses. Families established community gardens, in order to produce subsistence crops. These activities contributed to stabilizing communities’ economic conditions and improving food security among the participating families.Heavy rainfalls which affected the Chocó province, one of the poorest regions of the country, have left 17 municipalities flooded and 13,000 families in need of humanitarian aid, according to Colombia's National Unit for Risk Management Disaster (UNGRD). Although government entities are providing food assistance to affected communities,
WFP is preparing to respond to possible gaps.