Overview
Ecuador, with a population of over just over 14 million people, has become host of an estimated 135,000 Colombian refugees in need of international protection.  Colombians are fleeing to Ecuador due to fighting between armed groups, personal threats from armed actors, Colombian army operations and aerial fumigation of illegal and legal crops.  The number of people seeking refugee status has doubled every year since 2007.

Current Humanitarian Situation
From 2000 to 2008 almost 70,000 Colombians requested asylum in Ecuador.  It is estimated that in early 2009 another 70,000 Colombians have not yet approached the government, either out of fear or because they are unaware of services they could receive. Humanitarian agencies are providing assistance at their full capacity to recently arrived asylum seekers; however, government officials have reported that the increasing number of refugees outweighs their ability to provide assistance.  

The lack of proper documentation, which prevents Colombian refugees from working legally, is a major concern. Since March 2009, Ecuadorian authorities have devised and implemented an “Enhanced Registration Process” where a mobile unit of government officials travels along the northern border areas, interviews applicants and processes their cases and their family members in the same day. This initiative is groundbreaking and unique throughout all of Latin America.  The goal was to register 50,000 people by early 2010.

The registration process, although an important step, is only the beginning for refugees in Ecuador.  Given the ongoing conflict in Colombia, returning home is a distant and uncertain prospect for refugees.  Therefore, integration into Ecuadorian society is an important alternative. Yet many refugees still face discrimination and harassment by police forces and local government officials. In order to prevent the rising of tensions and rejection, greater resources need to be committed and public awareness campaigns need to be conducted to promote such integration.


Action Needed

• International donors, in particular the US government, should support the Enhanced Registration Process and the implementation of the new Ecuadorian refugee policy
• International donors, in particular the US government, as well as the Ecuadorian government must work together to support, and expand basic service provision, infrastructure and job opportunities for Colombian refugees and host communities alike.