Gender and Vulnerable Populations Strategy – Human Rights Activity

The comprehensive strategy builds on the previous phase's achievements under the Human Rights Program III (HRP III) and is guided by three core components: promotion of human rights, prevention of human rights violations, and response to human rights violations. The Activity prioritizes the most vulnerable populations impacted by conflict and associated violence, including women, Afro-Colombian communities, indigenous communities, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) community, youth, human rights defenders, and journalists. Vulnerability is defined as situations where particular social groups face inequality in their ability to participate in or benefit from societal protections and are unable to access or enjoy their rights due to economic, racial, ethnic, and gender factors and discrimination. The majority of gender and sexual violence victims are women and LGBTI community members, while Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities, journalists, and human rights defenders also face serious human rights violations. Recognizing the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, HRA places special emphasis on leading a bold and dynamic gender and vulnerable populations component across all of its programming. The Strategy has six specific objectives, including increasing knowledge and capacities through trainings for public officials, police, and civil society with a gender and differential focus. Strengthening and empowering national and regional civil society organizations representing vulnerable populations through grants and technical assistance is also a key objective. Mobilizing inter-sectorial dialogue mechanisms to implement differentiated response rutas for women and LGBTI GBV victims respectful of ethnic and local contexts is another critical objective. Providing technical assistance to implement national human rights policies regarding vulnerable populations in the regions and improving the quality of and access to legal and psychosocial assistance provided to women and LGBTI GBV victims through the Ombudsman's Office duplas are also key objectives. Developing capacities to incorporate and implement a gender and differential focus into Attorney General's Office (AGO) investigation activities is the final objective. The Strategy seeks to create effective mechanisms to empower vulnerable groups while increasing visibility of the critical challenges they face. With increased knowledge and tools, vulnerable populations will be given the skills needed to become advocates for their rights. Eliminating gender-based violence (GBV) will be an essential building block towards a sustainable peace in Colombia. The Strategy will contribute to the promotion of vulnerable populations' rights, strengthen and implement policies, projects, and social initiatives towards preventing and responding to human rights violations, and create opportunities that foster the empowerment of these groups. A gender and differential focus is essential to identify gender-based gaps in how vulnerable populations participate in and benefit from activities, in order to reduce historical inequities and discrimination. This approach will help to eliminate discrimination while promoting equal rights. The Strategy does not assume that human rights violations against women occur solely based on their gender, but rather recognizes that indigenous, campesina, Afro-Colombian, and young women are also affected in a disproportionate and differentiated manner not only because they are women, but because their own communities face unique challenges and barriers. The Strategy will be implemented through a wide range of comprehensive and coordinated activities, including trainings, grants, technical assistance, and inter-sectorial dialogue mechanisms. The Activity will work closely with national and regional civil society organizations, public officials, police, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Strategy. By prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations and addressing the root causes of human rights violations, the Strategy aims to create a more just and equitable society in Colombia.