A new office of the National Commission for Reparation and
Reconciliation (CNRR) in Quibdó, capital of the Department
of Chocó in Colombia's Pacific region, will assist victims
of the ongoing armed conflict seeking truth, justice and
reparation.

The Department of Chocó is facing a difficult situation
maintaining public order because of continued confrontations
between illegal armed groups that fight over strategic control of
corridors used for drug and arms trafficking, and for economic
control. 

This has led to increased threats and intimidation of the
residents, including forced displacement, illegal appropriation of
lands, homicides, kidnapping and forced recruitment.

The new office, which received financial support from the
Swedish Agency for International Development (Sida) and technical
support from IOM, will strengthen the CNRR by allowing it to work
closely with victims in that part of the country.

Chocó and Colombia's Pacific region have been deeply
affected by violence against Afro-descendants and indigenous
communities where illegal armed groups operate.  In
Chocó, Afro-Colombians account for more than 70 per
cent of the population.

The new installation will make it possible to closely follow
regional processes, promote the organization of the victims and
contribute towards reconciliation in the region.  CCNR will
support follow-up and evaluation of the Colombian government's
process of demobilization, disarmament and reintegration.

Earlier this year, the Colombian Government announced a ten-year
USD 3.5 billion compensation programme for victims of violence by
illegal armed groups.  IOM provides technical cooperation for
the communication and registration processes.

So far some 159,100 persons have registered with the Office of
the Attorney General to receive compensation.

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 minor or sexual crimes will be eligible to receive
USD 7,850, and those claiming forced displacement will receive USD
7,050.

For more information contact:

Jorge Andres Gallo

IOM Bogota

Tel: 57.311 5619495 or 57.1.5946410 ext.142

E-mail: "mailto:jgallo@oim.org.co">jgallo@oim.org.co