ABColombia (also referred to as the ABC Group) is an advocacy project of five leading UK and Irish organizations (CAFOD, Christian Aid UKI, Oxfam GB, SCIAF, and Trócaire) working to influence UK and Irish decision-makers on human rights, peace, and development in Colombia. It works on issues such as the peace process, human rights, extractives industries, and climate change, rooted in the experiences of communities like afro-Colombians, indigenous peoples, and women’s groups. The organization advocates for policy changes, provides information to policymakers, and works with partner organizations and networks in Colombia and internationally.
Core functions and activities
Advocacy: Influences decision-makers in the UK and Ireland to resolve human rights and humanitarian crises and achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in Colombia.
Policy analysis: Provides information and analysis to members of the UK parliament, Irish Dáil, European Union, and the UN.
Partnerships: Works with approximately 100 partner organizations in Colombia, most of which are grassroots groups representing peasant farmers, indigenous peoples, and Afro-descendant communities.
Research and reporting: Conducts research and produces reports on topics such as the peace process, human rights, and environmental issues.
Focus areas
Peace process: Supports efforts to implement the peace agreement and address challenges in the peace process.
Human rights: Focuses on protecting and promoting human rights, including the rights of vulnerable communities.
Justice for survivors: Addresses issues like sexual violence in conflict.
Economic development: Analyzes the impacts of economic policies and extractive industries on local communities.
Climate change: Engages in discussions and advocacy related to climate change in Colombia.
Structure
Member organizations: ABColombia is the collective advocacy arm of CAFOD, Christian Aid UKI, Oxfam GB, SCIAF, and Trócaire.
Board of Directors: A Board of Non-Executive Directors ensures the organization has a clear vision and strategic direction.
Partnerships: Collaborates with other organizations and networks in Colombia, the UK, Ireland, Europe, and the USA.