The Resilient Communities (Somos Comunidad) program, a key initiative of PADF, strengthens security systems and enhances community resilience in 35 conflict-affected municipalities prioritized by Colombia’s 2016 Peace Agreement. Focusing on high-conflict regions like Norte de Santander, Cauca, Antioquia, and Nariño, which are home to over 1.7 million people and still impacted by multiple armed actors, the program aims to create lasting security and peace.
SOMOS Comunidad’s Achievements:
Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
– Supported 126 CSOs in organizational planning, security, and risk prevention, improving their performance by 94%.
– Developed 52 protection models, with five becoming national public policies.
– Promoted citizen participation in governance through Municipal Youth Councils and Armed Conflict Victims’ Committees.
Enhancing Police Trust:
– Increased public confidence in the National Police from 56.8% in 2019 to 62.7% in 2024 through comprehensive training and community-police collaboration initiatives.
Strengthening Municipalities:
– Nearly tripled institutional efficiency and improved community dialogue for citizen security in 34 municipalities.
PADF’s innovative approach, centered on risk prevention and community involvement, has significantly shaped Colombia’s national security policies, demonstrating how targeted, community-driven interventions can sustainably enhance security and resilience in conflict-affected areas.