Colombia has experienced a significant influx of migrants, primarily Venezuelans, in the past decade seeking stability and better opportunities. However, their full integration is hindered by barriers that limit their development and participation in society. Aware of this, the Development and Peace Foundation has decided to prepare the Report on the Evaluation of the Participation of the Migrant Population in Territorial Planning within the framework of the Empowering Migrants for Participation and Ownership in Regional Development (EMPOWERD) Project, supported by the Human Mobility Initiative (HMI) of OXFAM Italy.
According to official figures from Migración Colombia, in 2023, there were 2,864,796 Venezuelan migrants in the country who indicated their intention to stay or reside in a specific city or municipality. Bogotá accounted for 21% of this total (603,710 migrants), making it the territory with the highest concentration of this population nationwide. Meanwhile, in the department of Nariño, the same institution reported 42,679 Venezuelan migrants expressing their intention to stay or reside. When compared to the total projected population by DANE for the same year in this region (1,631,117 inhabitants), this figure represented 3% of the total. This poses a significant challenge for the State and society in terms of providing adequate care and ensuring full inclusion.
Needs and Challenges
The most urgent needs of the migrant population include access to decent employment, adequate housing, healthcare, and education. A recent report shows that 37% of migrants prioritize employment, followed by housing and migration regularization (20%), and financial services (10%). These challenges are compounded by discrimination and exclusion from basic services and local decision-making processes, especially in regions like Nariño, where lack of information and xenophobia exacerbate their vulnerability.
Aspirations and Participation
Despite these obstacles, the migrant community aspires to fully integrate into their host communities. Participation in territorial planning is essential to ensure their needs and rights are acknowledged. A noteworthy example is the “Bogotá Camina Segura 2024-2027” District Development Plan, which incorporated migrant input across various phases, gathering 536 recommendations to improve services for this population.
Methodology and Data
To assess their needs and challenges, interviews, surveys, and focus groups were conducted in Tumaco and Ipiales, involving 138 migrants. The report reveals that 78% have never participated in consultations on development plans, and only 11% are aware of such processes. However, 60% of migrants have lived in Colombia for 3-5 years, indicating a strong intent to stay.
Towards an Inclusive Future
Including the migrant community in territorial planning and public policies is crucial to fostering their development and strengthening Colombia’s social fabric. It is time to break down barriers, combat discrimination, and ensure migrants are recognized as key stakeholders in local development.
The full report can be downloaded from the following link: http://bit.ly/49LcRi8
