Diocese of Quibdo Integrated Assistance Project

"We have met not only to celebrate life, but also to strengthen our efforts, our quests, to assure ourselves that we are not alone in our journey, we are many more than just two, sharing thirst along the road… Therefore, we come closer to the creation of a solidarity that is nameless, without nationality or skin-color, with only one heart, and this is more than enough!”
— Bishop Fidel Leon Cadavid and the Diocese of Quibdo

Father and child forcibly displaced in the Choco region

This region, with considerable natural resources and geopolitical strategic importance, has become well known for its high levels of violence and displacement. The largely Afro Colombian and indigenous population of Choco is caught between the guerilla, paramilitary and state security forces — a fact which received considerable international attention after 119 civilians were killed in a Church in Bojaya (2002), and many others forcibly displaced from their homes last year. The Social Action commission of the Diocese of Quibdo and the Bishop have been outspoken on the human rights violations in the area.

Since 1998, CRS has supported this diocese, which provides a significant portion of the humanitarian aid in this isolated region. Most recently on June 7, 2005, CRS approved an additional $42,000 from the O'Neil Emergency Fund to support humanitarian assistance for additional internally displaced people in the Choco region.

The Diocese has worked closely with recognized Afro and indigenous groups to strengthen their organizational capacity and advocacy. Due to its vocal criticism of all the armed actors (guerillas, paramilitary and military), clergy, religious, and lay leaders in the Diocese have been harassed and threatened. However, the Diocese's vulnerability has been tempered by its ability to garner international attention (notably through several Vatican, United Nations, U.S. Congressional, and European Union Parliamentary delegations).

CRS responds to the displacement crisis in Choco with emergency relief and accompaniment.

CRS’s accompaniment includes: humanitarian assistance, support for economic reactivation, community organization and institutional strengthening of local base groups, and training in advocacy, conflict resolution, peacebuilding and human rights.