Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024
47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the allocation within his Department in support of the Colombian peace process in the years 2020 to date; the initiatives supported through these allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6924/24]
View answerFor many years, Ireland has been actively engaged in supporting Colombia’s peace process through political support, advocacy, and by regularly engaging with relevant institutions, organisations and communities. These actions have served to consolidate Ireland’s long-standing reputation as an honest, trusted and credible interlocutor with all parties to the Agreement. Our key messages have included the need for comprehensive implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement; to ensure Colombian state presence across conflict-affected regions; the importance of including civil society and community actors in the peace process; the inclusion of women, ethnic communities and the centrality of victims; and an emphasis on support to the transitional justice institutions.
In 2024, support for the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement will remain a central focus for Ireland. We will also support the Government’s efforts under the Total Peace initiative, notably in the context of our role as guarantor in the EMC talks. Our support will align with our policy of supporting furthest behind first, by seeking to support communities and groups most affected by conflict. Thematic priorities will include: dialogue and participation; human rights and gender equality; and strengthening civil society to promote peace.
The total annual allocations made to organisations in Colombia in the years 2020-2023 are as follows:
|
2020 (€ million) |
2021 (€ million) |
2022 (€ million) |
2023 (€ million) |
|
2.52m |
2.43m |
2.74m |
3.50m |
This funding was disbursed variously to the organisations and interventions set out below.
|
Organisation |
Description |
|
UN Multi-partner Trust Fund (MPTF) for Colombia |
The United Nations MPTF for Sustaining Peace in Colombia finances coordinated responses that guarantee stabilization through the design and implementation of people and peace-centred agreements, frameworks, and programmes. |
|
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Colombia |
The OHCHR, in addition to a technical assistance and monitoring mandate, works to strengthen capacity in relation to the promotion and protection of human rights with both the State and civil society in Colombia. |
|
Lesson Sharing Programme |
The Lesson Sharing Programme aims to facilitate the exchange of lessons from the experience of peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland and in Colombia. |
|
MAPP OEA |
The Organisation of American States’ Missions to Support the Peace Process (MAPP) seeks to provide verification and advisory support to Colombia during the process of demobilization and reintegration of illegal armed groups, and to support peace efforts undertaken by Colombian institutions and communities. |
|
International Crisis Group |
The International Crisis Group is an independent organisation working to prevent wars and shape policies that will build a more peaceful world. |
|
Institute for Integrated Transitions |
The Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to helping fragile and conflict-affected states achieve more effective negotiations and transitions out of war, crisis or authoritarianism. |
|
Berghof Foundation |
The Berghof Foundation works to accompany Colombian actors in developing and implementing conflict transformation and peace efforts on different levels. |
|
EU Trust Fund for Colombia |
The EU Trust Fund for Colombia sought to support the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement in early post-conflict stabilisation and recovery, with a view to securing a stable and lasting peace. |
|
Christian Aid Ireland |
Christian Aid works with local civil society partners and communities in these countries to tackle violence, build peace and protect human rights. |
|
Misean Cara |
Funding to missionary partners for a range of developmental activities. |
|
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) |
The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) seeks to uphold human rights by supporting and protecting civil society space |
|
GOAL |
In Colombia, GOAL’s principal focus is on building resilient livelihoods of vulnerable communities. This will include work on fisheries in communities in coastal marines. They will also work on market systems in urban, informal settlements which are destinations for Venezuelan migrant populations. |
|
In-Country Micro-Project Scheme |
The In-Country Micro Projects Scheme (ICMPS) supports local non-governmental organisations to carry out small-scale development projects. |
|
Halo Trust |
HALO Trust operates demining activities in Colombia. |
|
Rapid Response Initiative |
Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative deploys highly-skilled personnel and sending emergency supplies to a disaster zone in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. |
|
Instituto de Estudios Interculturales |
Instituto de Estudios Culturales facilitates dialogue processes amongst local community stakeholders in Colombia. |
|
Fundacion Instituto De Ciencia Politica |
Funding to develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy for a research report on illegal recruitment and use of children and adolescents by the FARC-EP in the Colombian armed conflict. |
|
UN Women – National Action Plan on UNSCR1325 |
Support to UN Women Colombia’s role in formulating a National Action Plan on Resolution 1325 of the United Nations Security Council. |
|
UN University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) |
Support to a research project on managing exits from armed conflict |
