VICTIMS INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING PROGRAM

The program's objective is to provide support to the GoC in the implementation of the Victims Law, which aims to provide reparations and assistance to victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. The program focuses on four intermediate results: Improved GoC Management for Victims, Improved GoC Rehabilitation Services for the Wellbeing of Victims, Transitional Justice Processes Advanced, and Select GoC Institutions and Systems Accommodate the Specific Needs of Ethnic Groups and Women. During the reporting period, January 1 to March 31, 2015, VISP made significant progress in each of the four intermediate results. For Intermediate Result 1, VISP supported the development of the "Comprehensive" process, which centralizes, streamlines, and strengthens the Victims Unit's process to respond to victims' requests. Preparatory sessions were held at the regional level on the Participation Roundtable, and support was presented to the Victims Unit and the National Center for Historical Memory (CNMH) for eventual peace agreements in Havana. For Intermediate Result 2, VISP advanced in its support to the psychosocial approach in attention, assistance, and reparation. Training was provided to 150 members of the High Council in Bogotá, and regional training teams were formed to install psychosocial attention to children and adolescents. Architectural plans were constructed for the organization and provision of rehabilitation services in five hospitals. For Intermediate Result 3, VISP completed the inauguration of the Active Resource Center as part of Medellín's Memory House Museum. Support was provided to the Companion Program, ensuring a special budget and educational and housing offer in Pasto. Over 150 victims' registers were purified to improve the delivery of financial compensations. For Intermediate Result 4, VISP supported the incorporation of the ethnic approach in Governor's Offices in 10 departments. Support was provided to the Mayor's Offices in each department's capital city. A series of five workshops was held with women from the collective Narrar para Vivir on sexual violence in the armed conflict. The program's progress was influenced by the changing rhythm of negotiations in Havana, which led to new demands and expectations for VISP. The program received requests for support in regions prioritized for the post-conflict implementation of the Victims Law. The program's progress was also influenced by the strong international support for the peace process, which reinforced the expectation of a successful conclusion to the negotiations. The program's financial report shows a total confirmed fund of $65,452,579, with a total cash receipt of $56,322,579 and a total cash disbursement of $32,755,000. The program's progress was made possible by the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).