IOM will provide technical and logistical support to the Colombian
government as it begins a ten-year compensation programme for
victims of violence by illegal armed groups.

The USD 3.5 billion compensation programme was announced this
week by Colombia's President Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

So far, some 126,000 victims of violence have registered with
the Office of the Attorney General to receive compensation. The
government estimates that 300,000 victims and up to one million
internally displaced people (IDPs) could benefit from this
programme.

Victims who can prove the death of a family member, forced
disappearance, kidnapping, physical injury or psychological trauma
resulting in permanent disability will receive USD 10,400.
Claimants proving torture, physical injury or psychological trauma
not resulting in permanent disability, confinement, illegal
recruitment of minors or sexual crimes will be eligible to receive
USD 7,850 while those claiming forced displacement will receive USD
7,050.

As per the agreement signed between IOM and the President's
Office for Social Action and International Cooperation, IOM has
agreed to provide support and expertise on compensation issues.

The Organization brings years of experience and expertise in
compensation programmes. As part of the German Forced Labour
Compensation Programme carried out from 2001 to 2007, IOM received
some 400,000 claims.  IOM also has provided technical support
to compensation programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Timor-Leste,
Iraq and Turkey.

IOM programmes in Colombia include assistance to the internally
displaced and ex-combatant minors, the reintegration of
ex-combatants into host communities, counter-trafficking programmes
and temporary labour migration schemes.

For more information, please contact:

Jorge Andres Gallo

IOM Colombia

Tel:  +571 5946410 Ext. 142

E-mail: "mailto:jgallo@iom.int">jgallo@iom.int