Learning from Colombia's Migration Policy

Latin American countries host the vast majority of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Colombia hosts an estimated 1.7 million. More than half of the Venezuelan population in Colombia lack regular status, affecting their ability to access essential services, protection, and assistance. The socio-economic situation has worsened during the last year as a result of the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Latin American and Caribbean countries.  

Considering this deteriorated situation, the government of Colombia made a historic decision to provide ten-year Temporary Protection Status to Venezuelans (TPSV), which is considered a landmark in Colombia’s process to embrace the migrant and refugee population in the country. This initiative highlights Colombia’s firm commitment to human rights and the international law for refugees and migrants, and shall certainly provide a reference of good practice in the evolution of the existing migratory policies in the global agenda.  

One sixth of the world's refugee population currently live in Asia. However, few countries have ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, and most of the refugees are treated as undocumented migrants and have limited access to protection. In Southeast Asia, there are many good practices and efforts by local governments and civil society for refugee protection. However, amid the global refugee crisis and severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is becoming increasingly necessary for Asia to address the region's refugee issues by ourselves. Stronger commitments from the public and private sector are required.

In this light, we are pleased to invite Mr. Juan Francisco Espinosa, Director of Migración Colombia, who is leading the refugee policy in Colombia, to discuss the "TPSV" (Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelan Migrants). Experts on global and Asian trends on refugee protection from Asia will also join the webinar to discuss implications for Asia. We look forward to your participation. Details of the event are as follows: