Colombia’s Armed Conflict and its Refugees: International Legal Protection versus Interregional State Interests

• Published in: Colombia internacional Vol. 100; no. 100; pp. 67 - 90
• Main Author: Ruprecht, Michael Nabil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bogotá Universidad de los Andes 01.10.2019; Universidad de Los Andes, UNIANDES Journals (Revistas UNIANDES); Departamento de Ciencia Política y Centro de Estudios Internacionales. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de los Andes
• Subjects: Armed Conflict; Borders; Case studies; Colombia; Colômbia; conflicto armado; conflito armado; Ecuador; Equador; Human rights; International conflict; International law; International Protection; INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS; Labeling; Literature reviews; Migrants; Migration; Neighbors; NGOs; Nongovernmental organizations; Obligations; Panama; Panamá; Political asylum; Politics; protección internacional; proteção internacional; Refugees; refugiados; Trends; Venezuela; Venezuela; Ecuador; Colombia; United States > US; Panama; Colombia; Ecuador; refugees; international protection; conflito armado; proteção internacional; conflicto armado; Colômbia; protección internacional; Equador; Venezuela; refugiados; Panamá; Panama; armed conflict; International Protection; Refugees; Armed Conflict
• ISSN: 0121-5612; 1900-6004
• DOI: 10.7440/colombiaint100.2019.04

Objective/context: This article analyzes the international protection afforded to Colombian refugees in neighboring countries, with a particular emphasis on Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. It examines the political and security interests of these states as regards their legal recognition of these cross-border migratory flows in light of their international obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention. It then considers how the various protection labels conferred on refugees contribute to the formation of their identities. Finally, it seeks to question and challenge the evolution of UNHCR’s role and responsibilities in protecting these migrants under its 1950 mandate. Methodology: This empirical case study is based on a qualitative review of the literature pertaining to migratory flows induced by the armed conflict, including official reports published by UN agencies as well as international and Colombian non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Conclusions: The complex dynamics underlying the interregional political and security interests of Colombia’s neighbors have led them to afford limited or no international protection status to the forced migrants. Originality: The relevance of this study is highlighted by the ongoing failure in identifying a durable solution to the protracted situation of Colombian refugees displaced throughout neighboring countries.