Conflict Mitigation & Resolution

Residents of poor neighborhoods in Colombia face many economic, political and social challenges that, if not dealt with properly, can have a significant negative impact on long-term progress and stability. People who lack opportunity and do not participate positively in civil society are susceptible to conflict, crime and recruitment by illegally armed groups.

CHF International is currently working in four neighborhoods of Buenaventura, Colombia, one of the poorest and most violent areas of Colombia, to strengthen ethnic ties among the Afro-Colombian population and bring together conflicting parties to address community development needs and the root causes of conflict as a means to reconcile differences and reduce conflict.

The Reconciliar program addresses the underlying causes of conflict including poverty, lack of opportunities, and forced displacement, while addressing a key consequence of the conflict in Buenaventura-- erosion of ethnic ties and identity. The program will help residents recognize that the way out of their current predicament is through positive engagement with each other, respect for their heritage, and positive interaction with the government and the economy.

Additionally, by encouraging minorities, youth, community leaders, local authorities, and others in the four communities to work together to build relationships, address problems, and plan together, Reconciliar will help residents to realize that they have a stake in stability and constructive engagement.

Reconciliar follows the success of the Youth for Change and Conflict Reduction (YCCR) program. YCCR worked to reduce violent conflict in the marginal urban neighborhoods of Altos de Cazucá, Soacha and four marginal neighborhoods of Cali, Colombia by empowering youth to act as a positive force your change.

The Impact:

> 1,200 youth received training in business and vocational skills, allowing them to obtain permanent jobs or establish their own micro-enterprises.

> more than 1,300 youth are now equipped with leadership skills and mechanisms to reduce conflict.

> more than 230 youth have been trained in basic security procedures, allowing them to form community security teams.