Our Work

Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance

USAID supports the efforts of civil society and the Government of Colombia to improve respect for human rights; expand access to justice and social services in remote and conflict-affected areas; strengthen labor unions; and promote transparency. 

USAID programs promote respect for human rights; prevent and respond to rights violations, and increase access to legal services offered by Justice Houses, promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the Public Defender’s Office. Additionally, USAID supports policies to develop and implement victims’ reparations and land restitution,

Environment and Global Climate Change

USAID supports the Government of Colombia’s efforts to reduce threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, and strengthen environmental governance for the conservation of protected areas and ethnic territories. USAID programs strengthen the capacity of the Government, community organizations, and civil society to manage, protect, and ensure the sustainability of natural resource-based livelihoods; mitigate, adapt to and/or reduce vulnerability to the long-term impacts of climate change; and promote the use of clean and renewable energy and low-carbon economic growth.

Working in Crisis and Conflict

USAID supports Government of Colombia efforts to re-establish security and social services in target municipalities where the lack of state presence has enabled illegally armed groups, narcotics traffickers, and paramilitaries to exert control and create a culture of illegality.  USAID activities seek to improve livelihoods through licit economic opportunities, build local institutional capacity to respond to social needs, broaden access to finance, and support the implementation of Colombia’s land and rural development strategy.

USAID also strengthens institutions, supports civil society and focuses on needs of ethnic minorities, women, the disabled, victims of conflict and other vulnerable populations to ensure their rights.