Catholic Relief Services works in conjunction with the Colombian Catholic Church, supporting initiatives work to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict with respect for human life and dignity. The agency is also working to foster a strong, supportive relationship between the Colombian and the United States Church. The program currently serves over 10,400 people through provisions of direct assistance, training and other services. At the national level, the work of the program is estimated to reach over 180,000 people. Catholic Relief Services works with a variety of ethnic groups in Colombia, including indigenous communities of the Embera, Afro-Colombian communities, mestizos and whites The major challenge facing the agency is the need to respond to human needs and promote peace in the midst of ongoing conflict in the country.
Armed rebels threaten communities to gain control over people and their land.
This violence has resulted in the massive displacement of many groups from ancestral lands. In 1999, the Human Rights Watch named Colombia as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights. Catholic Relief Services promotes human dignity and defense of human rights in its programming for the displaced and threatened communities in the Diocese of Quibd , Choc on the Pacific Coast of Colombia. This project offers humanitarian aid, housing assistance and economic revitalization for a community that was able to return as well as support for prevention and local peace processes in surrounding communities. The project also works to strengthen the indigenous justice system.