The sexual and reproductive rights of internally displaced women: the embodiment of Colombia's crisis

Abstract

As of 30 June 2006, more than 3.5 million Colombians are internally displaced persons (IDPs), the second largest IDP population in the world after that of Sudan. While most IDP studies treat the plight of internally displaced women (IDW) as an isolated phenomenon, this paper demonstrates that their situation reflects Colombia's chronic cultural, political and socio-economic crisis. This paper uses a sexual and reproductive rights framework to establish a connection between IDW and Colombia's culture of violence, discrimination and inequality. The effects of this culture of violence, discrimination and inequality are highlighted during a discussion of the rights to health, reproduction, privacy, physical integrity, education, and freedom from violence and sexual exploitation. This paper argues that a holistic understanding of Colombia's humanitarian emergency is essential to improving the lives of IDPs. It ends with some concrete, short-term recommendations to meet some of the needs of IDPs and other vulnerable populations.

Sex Work Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Bogotá

“…Sex work is common in Colombia, due not only to widespread poverty, but also to the many internal displacements that have occurred as a result of decades of civil conflict (Alzate, 2008; Zea et al, 2013). Estimates of the number of internally displaced persons in Colombia range from 3.6 to 5.3 million (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, 2012) in a total population of 47 million.…”

Dignity and the right of internally displaced adolescents in Colombia to sexual and reproductive health

“…Such a framework includes the responsibility of states to create the basic social and economic conditions that are conducive to free choice. This is particularly the case in Colombia where some 80 per cent of the IDP population lives in extreme poverty yet local and national governments have never provided enough resources to meet their needs (Alzate, 2008). This is particularly the case in Colombia where some 80 per cent of the IDP population lives in extreme poverty yet local and national governments have never provided enough resources to meet their needs (Alzate, 2008).…”

“…Research indicates that the decentralisation of financing of the health system in Colombia has significantly improved equity in the allocation of health resources and that poorer municipalities have increased their health expenditure (Bossert et al, 2003). Moreover, IDP populations frequently are not informed that they have entitlements (Alzate, 2008). To improve the effectiveness of its policies, it might be advisable for the Government of Colombia to develop formulae for health resource allocations to departmental and municipal governments that enable them to engage fully in the implementation of national policies through the organisation of special programmes that favour the most vulnerable populations.…”

“…Poverty and economic deprivation can lead to loss of dignity and poor self-esteem as they prevent people from taking personal responsibility for their lives and deprive them of access to education, health and other fundamental services that can result in greater autonomy and full participation in the decisions that affect their own bodies and lives (Marmot, 2004;Yamin, 2005). This is particularly the case in Colombia where some 80 per cent of the IDP population lives in extreme poverty yet local and national governments have never provided enough resources to meet their needs (Alzate, 2008).…”

‘It’s about Finding a Way’

“…Meertens and Zambrano (2010) argue that threats against people are a tactic to appropriate arable or useful land. Rape and sexual violence are also used deliberately as tools of war against the bodies of women and girls; almost non-existent prosecution for these acts fosters an air of impunity (Alzate, 2007;Meertens 2010). For 3 This understanding of a localised, everyday peace is outlined in detail in previous work (see Berents 2013) and draws in particular from the work of Oliver Richmond (see, amongst others: 2009Richmond (see, amongst others: , 2011 4 On Colombia's conflict see, amongst many others: Palacios 2006, Bushnell 1996, and Richani 2002 …”