-
In Venezuela, radio soaps depict the refugee life
8 Aug 2005 Three new radio soap operas are shedding light on the lives of people forced to flee their homes for Venezuela, home to more than 1 million Colombians. The vivid tales of suffering are helping UNHCR to spread its message of tolerance, understanding and respect for refugees. -
A school where displacement, not discipline, is the biggest problem
21 Jul 2005 Over 90 percent of the students at Pedro Grau School in Chocó, Colombia, are internally displaced. Some express their trauma through tears, aggression, or by running out of classes that remind them of the violence they've seen. UNHCR is working with teachers to help these students overcome their painful past. -
Thousands affected by fighting near Colombia-Ecuador border
1 Jul 2005 Clashes between armed groups and the Colombian army in south-western Colombia have displaced more than 1,200 Awá indigenous people in Nariño province and blocked an estimated 4,000 civilians in Putumayo province. -
Resettled Colombians go Dutch
13 Jun 2005 A first group of Colombian refugees resettled from Ecuador is currently undergoing orientation in the Netherlands, where they hope to start a peaceful new life and to contribute to their host country. -
UNHCR urges aid for displaced people in Colombia's south-west
7 Jun 2005 Some 1,000 people have fled their homes in south-western Colombia in the last three months, reported the UN refugee agency today, warning that hundreds of them have not received humanitarian aid so far. -
Giving credit to Colombian refugees in Ecuador
23 May 2005 Creative and hardworking, Colombian refugees are making a living in Ecuador with the help of small loans to start or expand businesses like bakeries, catering and recycling services. Besides providing an income, these small businesses help refugees regain their sense of purpose and self-respect. -
More than 1,000 people flee fear of clashes in Colombia's north-west
20 May 2005 Some 1,100 Colombians have fled their homes along the Buey River in the north-west, citing fears of heightened clashes in the area. UNHCR today joined the authorities on a mission to verify reports of further displacement along the river. -
Colombia's displaced youth face violence, forced recruitment in cities, warns UNHCR
17 May 2005 Young displaced people in Colombia's cities are increasingly facing dangers like murders, sexual abuse and forced recruitment by armed groups, warned the UN refugee agency today as it stressed the need for urgent actions to protect and assist these vulnerable youths. -
New ruling allows bank credit for refugees in Costa Rica
10 May 2005 The UN refugee agency has welcomed a new ruling by Costa Rica's Constitutional Chamber that refugees in the country are eligible for bank loans that could help them integrate better in their host community.