Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey Visits With Internally Displaced Colombians

Colombia, November 1, 2006: Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Ellen Sauerbrey traveled to Colombia October 30-November 3, 2006 to evaluate the Bureau’s programs for internally displaced Colombians and to assess future needs. More than 50 years of conflict between the Colombian Government and rebel groups, such as FARC (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and ELN (National Liberation Army) have forced some 3 million people, mostly from southern Colombia, to flee their homes. PRM is the lead bureau within the State Department for providingprotection, basic assistance, food, shelter, education and vocational training so that these innocent victims can prepare for a new life in a better place.

Bogota, Colombia, November 1, 2006: Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey visits a school in Soacha, a Bogota suburb, where many internally displaced Colombians now live. The U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) provides funds to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) the primary implementing non-governmental partner for this project.

Cali, Colombia, November 2, 2006: A Colombian man learns to make shoes at a class run by the Cooperation Housing Foundation, an NGO implementing partner. This program sponsored by the State Department provides vocational training specifically for the nation's internally displaced people.

Cali, Colombia, November 2, 2006: The State Department partners with the Salesian Mission (NGO) to provide emergency assistance and vocational training to mostly internally displaced youth. The vocational training center provides various classes, including carpentry.