Strengthening Human Rights in Colombia .

Despite gains made through prior USAID initiatives, Colombia still faces challenges in securing ongoing respect and protection for human rights. Vulnerable populations generally lack knowledge of protection mechanisms and of government efforts to prevent and respond to human rights violations. USAID’s Human Rights Activity (HRA) uses a three-pronged strategy — promote a culture of human rights; prevent violations of human rights; and respond adequately and effectively to human rights violations when they occur — to respond to a history of human rights violations in Colombia. HRA works with local organizations and government officials to promote human rights and peace and to protect vulnerable people, who have been disproportionately affected by conflict in Colombia. Working at the national and regional levels, the project aims to foster respect and national awareness of human rights issues. HRA uses a holistic approach to human rights protection to address the spectrum from prevention to response. The program works to strengthen the government’s capacity to analyze risk, develop effective prevention mechanisms, and comply with legal responsibilities related to human rights.