A survey carried out among businessmen in the Colombian capital,
Bogota, and aimed at gauging the interest of the private sector in
the reintegration of demobilised combatants into civilian life, has
found that the majority of them favoured only indirect involvement
in the process.

Of the 800 businessmen surveyed, 84 per cent had heard of the
Reintegration Process into Civilian Life (PRVC by its Spanish
acronym), with large and medium-sized businesses having greater
awareness.  But the businessmen reported not knowing many
details of the achievements of the PRVC.

Although more than 50 per cent acknowledged that participation
by the private sector was vital to strengthening the process, 75
per cent of the businessmen questioned said they were not committed
to it.  The majority of the businesses surveyed had not been
involved in any programme, project or activity related to the
reintegration of ex-combatants into civilian life.

However, 93 per cent of the businessmen questioned said they
would contribute ideas to the process with 61 per cent indicating
they would network with other businesses to share ideas and
resources. Encouragingly, 56 per cent of the respondents went on to
say they would create employment opportunities for ex-combatants
while nearly two-thirds were amenable to sharing their business
experience in the formulation of job training strategies.

Colombia's Presidential High Commissioner for Reintegration is
determined to garner the support of the private sector in order to
open up the job market to those participating in the reintegration
process.

"Our efforts are centred on training and preparing those who
want to be reintegrated into civilian life in such a way that when
businesses are ready to receive them, they have the necessary
skills to enter the labour market and abide by the law," explained
Frank Pearl, Presidential High Commissioner for the Reintegration
Process.

As a result of negotiations between the Colombian government and
illegal armed groups, as well as individuals who have surrendered
on their own, more than 45,000 people have been demobilized in a
conflict that has endured over four decades and which has left at
least three million people displaced.

IOM supports the economic and social reintegration process of
ex-combatants through the development of projects that guarantee
economic sustainability, ensuring a viable return to civilian
life.

The survey was conducted as part of a cooperation agreement
financed by the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), by IOM, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor's Office of
Bogota. 

For more information please contact:

Jorge Andres Gallo

IOM Colombia

Tel: + 57.1.594.6410 ext. 142

Mobile + 57.311 561 94 95

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