The Climate Displacement Gap
By Guest Wed, 04/17/2013 - 17:37Crisis after crisis, natural and climate change-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and storms have displaced people from their homes in countries around the world. Though a causal link between any weather event and climate change is difficult to prove, climatologists have long believed that climate change will result in an increase in extreme weather events. Floods, droughts, and storms almost always impact the lives of individuals, forcing them to flee their homes as a result of safety or reduced food supply, among other factors.
Looking to Leave, Again
By Garrett Bradford Thu, 08/30/2012 - 11:16In February 2012, RI visited the riverside community of Gambote, in Colombia's Bolívar Department. We spoke with Manuel Suárez, a local indigenous leader who had been displaced by violence in neighboring Córdoba Department. But as Manuel told us in the video below, his community needed to be relocated again – this time because of devastating floods in the area.
"I Want to Work!"
By Marc Hanson Fri, 08/24/2012 - 09:31Steady, gainful employment is an important part of of resolving Colombia’s IDP crisis. In most cases of forced displacement in Colombia, families flee their homes in rural areas for the relative safety (and anonymity) of larger cities. In the process, they leave behind their agricultural livelihoods, assets, and social networks.
Time for U.S., Colombia to Deliver for Conflict Victims
By Marc Hanson Tue, 07/31/2012 - 11:40This post originally appeared at The Hill's Congress Blog.
“I will never be the same. I am not the same as before. That’s the hardest thing.” With these lines Paula, one of Colombia’s more than 4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), started to recount the most excruciating part of her life’s story.
Colombia: Can One Law Rebuild Millions of Lives?
By Marc Hanson Mon, 07/23/2012 - 11:33
Last week, an episode of heavy conflict in southwestern Colombia displaced several hundred people. This was followed by a short-lived revolt in an indigenous village, with farmers briefly forcing FARC militants and soldiers to vacate land they had occupied.
Rio+20: Connecting the Dots Between Disasters and Displacement
By Davina Wadley Wed, 06/20/2012 - 16:29Today, world leaders are gathering in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD). They will be joined by participants from the private sector, governments, non-governmental organizations, and other interested groups.
First, Do No Harm
By Marc Hanson Thu, 05/17/2012 - 13:09This afternoon’s House mark-up of the State, Foreign Operations spending bill will show the world just how far and how fast some in the U.S. are willing to retreat from assuming America’s traditional leadership role in global affairs.
The House GOP leadership has allocated the State, Foreign Operations budget 9 percent less funding than was appropriated for the same accounts last year. This put legislators in a challenging position. Cuts were inevitable.
Cartagena Diary, Pt. IV: 19 Years Too Many
By Marc Hanson Wed, 04/18/2012 - 13:49Editor's Note: RI Senior Advocate Marc Hanson has been in Cartagena, Colombia, for the Summit of the Americas. This is his final diary entry from the trip, but do check out his first, second, and third entries as well.
Cartagena Diary, Pt. III: The Colombia Obama Won’t See
By Marc Hanson Fri, 04/13/2012 - 16:52Editor's Note: RI Senior Advocate Marc Hanson is in Cartagena, Colombia, this week for the Summit of the Americas. Click here to read his final entry.
Cartagena Diary, Pt. II: Citizen Security Takes Center Stage
By Marc Hanson Thu, 04/12/2012 - 16:11Editor's Note: RI Senior Advocate Marc Hanson is in Cartagena, Colombia, this week for the Summit of the Americas. He'll be recording his activities and impressions on our blog throughout the trip. Click here to read Part III.
Refugees International (RI) advocates for lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.
We are an independent organization, and do not accept any government or UN funding.