Colombia

Trade, investment and forced migration

While Colombia has the second largest number of internally displaced people in the world, recent research suggests forced migration is a growing problem throughout Latin America. However, states lack a thorough understanding of the magnitude and profile of the displaced population, as well as how best to protect these vulnerable people. Moreover, the region lacks policy approaches that link forced migration and development processes, a problem made worse by the isolated and ad hoc nature of current research.

In response to this challenge, researchers formed the Latin American Network on Forced Migration to build alliances and inform both international and Canadian policy on the issue. LACREG funding enabled the network to convene its second meeting, which mobilized 30 NGOs and academics from various countries in the region, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. In a two-day workshop held in Canada, participants explored issues such as trade, investment and forced migration in Latin America. A smaller group of scholars met for a third day to further build capacity in the network.

The network identified three focus areas for further research: law and regulation, including corporate accountability and the tensions between human rights and investor rights; vulnerability, including physical violence, as well as economic and environmental concerns; and advocacy and civil society, which would focus on giving people and communities the tools and support to advocate on their own behalf.