IOM and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are
joining forces to build a water system in Barranca Bermeja, a town
on the Ecuador-Colombia border that hosts a large number of
displaced Colombians.

The forced displacement of Colombians across the border into
Ecuador is frequent.  Of the 70 families living in Barranca
Bermeja, approximately 50 are from Colombia.  Many of the
children living in the community are Ecuadorian by birth but their
parents are Colombian forced to flee the violence in their
communities of origin. 

In November 2007, a large group of displaced Colombians arrived
in the area.  Following their arrival, IOM, UNHCR and other
organizations got together to address the most pressing needs of
the local population and of the Colombians who had crossed into
Ecuador in search of international protection.

The integration of the Colombians into the local community is a
priority for IOM and UNHCR, and is considered key to the stability
and development of the region.

Ecuador hosts the largest number of registered Colombian
refugees. According to UNHCR figures, 20,000 people have refugee
status and an additional 37,000 are considered asylum seekers.
However, UNHCR estimates that there are some 130,000 Colombians in
Ecuador in need of international protection.

Since October 2005, IOM has been carrying out a programme to
address the emergency situation faced by Colombians who cross
international borders to escape the violence of illegal armed
groups. The programme, funded by the US Department of State's
Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), covers Ecuador,
Panama and Venezuela.

The IOM border assistance programme focuses on building and
improving shelters and water and sanitation infrastructure,
provides temporary health and education assistance, including
information on HIV/AIDS, hygiene kits and food packages, and data
collection.

For more information, please contact:

Ana Guzman

IOM Ecuador

Tel:  + (593-2) 225-3948

Email: "mailto:aguzman@iom.int">aguzman@iom.int