Colombia

Colombia

A pregnant migrant woman with her family receives information on HIAS services on the way to a shelter coordinated by HIAS. (HIAS Colombia)
Portrait of Camilo Ramírez, HIAS Colombia director. Barranquilla, Colombia. July 5th 2022. 

Photo: Federico Rios Escobar for HIAS

Country Director

Camilo Ramírez

Office Locations

Arauca, Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cúcuta, Ipiales, Necoclí, Ocaña, Pasto, Popayán, Santa Marta

Founded

2019

Staff Size

85

Connect

HIAS Colombia

Colombia hosts more than 1.8 million Venezuelans, which represents more than 35 percent of the estimated five million Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean. Colombia shares a 2,200-kilometer border, seven formal border crossings, and hundreds of informal crossings with Venezuela. HIAS supports refugees to build new lives and reunite with family members in safety and freedom.

HIAS Colombia focuses on single women, women-headed households, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), people with disabilities and serious medical conditions, and LGBTQ refugees. HIAS Colombia works with Venezuelan refugees and migrants, Colombian returnees, and host communities.

1,994

clients received mental health services in 2021

Our Work in Colombia

HIAS Colombia focuses on the prevention and response to GBV, community-based mental health and psychosocial support, economic inclusion, and protection actions including temporary housing and supplementary food support. Working closely with government institutions, partner organizations, the private sector, and refugee communities, HIAS Colombia promotes local integration and access to rights and services.

HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

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Our economic inclusion programs ensure that refugees have economic opportunities to earn sustainable income and start their lives anew.

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We work to protect the right of women, girls, and LGBTQ communities to access their full potential and live free from violence by supporting survivors, mitigating risks, and transforming beliefs that perpetuate GBV.

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HIAS’ community-based mental health programs promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis and conflict so they can heal and rebuild their lives.

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Impact Story

Colombia's Bold Gesture to Help Venezuelan Refugees

In 2021 a government order allowed 1.7 million Venezuelans to legally remain in Colombia for 10 years. “We are setting an example for the rest of the world,” said HIAS Colombia’s country director, Camilo Ramirez. “I feel really proud that we are sending a message to the international community.”

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Colombia's Bold Gesture to Help Venezuelan Refugees

(Schneyder Mendoza/AFP via Getty Images)

Partners

HIAS Colombia operates with the support of the United States Government, AECID, Airbnb, ECHO, Internet Society Foundation, UNHCR Colombia, and USAID-Laser Pulse.

HIAS’ services are free. If someone tries to charge you for services claiming they represent HIAS, please report it at our confidential email address: ethics@hias.org. HIAS has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. 

For any other inquiries please email us at info@hias.org.

An Afghan man and his son after arrival at the baggage claim of John Wanye Airport in Orange County, Feb 19, 2022. They were greeted by a group of Welcome Circle volunteers. (Eric Thayer for HIAS)

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An Afghan man and his son after arrival at the baggage claim of John Wanye Airport in Orange County, Feb 19, 2022. They were greeted by a group of Welcome Circle volunteers. (Eric Thayer for HIAS)

Help HIAS provide vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world