Program of Alliances for Reconciliation (PAR) Quarterly Report July-September 2020

PAR has formed high-impact alliances with major actors in the private and public sectors, media, academia, and civil society to conceptualize and implement initiatives that contribute to changing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, helping Colombians to come to terms with the past, engage in constructive dialogue, and transform old narratives forged by conflict. The PAR program consists of three main components: 1) supporting truth-telling and memory initiatives that enable Colombians to confront and accept the past; 2) promoting greater awareness of reconciliation efforts as a way of spurring mobilization and action; and 3) leveraging strategic public and private alliances that foster socioeconomic opportunities in target municipalities. PAR has also incorporated a programmatic response focused on addressing issues relating to the migration crisis resulting from political and economic instability in neighboring Venezuela. During the reporting period, PAR and its partners achieved several notable results. Fundación ANDI and PAR launched the 2020 INspiring Companies List at the fifth Colombian Business Congress, which was attended by over 3,000 participants and national and international experts. Semana Rural published three digital newspapers and received 144,376 visits this quarter and reached 20,252 followers on Facebook. Proyecto Migración Venezuela surveyed 2,289 people in 91 municipalities on their perceptions relating to migration, sharing the results with the GOC and USAID, among others. In addition, Proyecto Migración Venezuela published three monthly newsletters and 161 articles on the website of Migravenzuela, receiving 448,022 visitors of which 241,671 were new users. CRC's social media campaign to raise awareness and funds received 3,804 views in September. PAR also supported initiatives aimed at promoting national reconciliation, including providing assistance to 1,023 children, young people, and women victims of gender and domestic violence through support and suicide prevention hotlines. More than 12 million people in 28 departments listened to podcasts covering domestic violence and abuse and relevant care pathways, school-life balance, and life skills, among other topics. 500 stories about gratitude were received to promote social cohesion, trust, and collaborative work between Colombians and migrants. 16 social leaders empowered through communications skills shared the first videos to build their audiences, raise awareness about their local initiatives, and become digital influencers. 1,093 young offenders serving sentences received support and guidance through the program. PAR's efforts have also focused on addressing the migration crisis, with Proyecto Migración Venezuela working to provide information and support to migrants and host communities. The program has also expanded its scope to include families and migrants, and has emphasized a more comprehensive intervention in PAR municipalities.