Colombia has become one of the main host and transit countries for refugees and migrants, primarily from Venezuela, but also from other countries. Barriers to employment and income opportunities severely restrict the social participation of these groups and members of host communities. They are also often confronted with barriers in accessing target group-specific health services, such as prenatal care, while the risk of falling victim to gender-based violence is high.
Refugees, migrants and particularly vulnerable groups have access to jobs and income, sexual and reproductive health services and are protected against gender-based violence. This improves economic and social participation as well as social cohesion.
The project provides state, civil society and private sector partners with training that enables them to effectively support the sustainable integration of the target groups. To this end, it draws up analyses, for example on the specific barriers in terms of access to income, employment and health services.
In addition, the project uses training measures and courses to develop the vocational skills of refugees, migrants and disadvantaged groups and thus increase their chances of finding permanent employment and a regular income.
It also promotes partnerships with the private sector aimed at creating jobs for the target groups.
Another of the project’s activities involves raising awareness of health issues among service providers in the health sector as well as the target groups themselves.