Annual report pursuant to the agreement concerning annual reports on human rights and free trade between Canada and the Republic of Colombia - 2024

ISSN 2819-4152

For the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024

Table of contents

• Executive summary
  1. Introduction
  2. Reporting requirements
     1. 2.1 Canada's statutory obligations
     2. 2.2 Time period under consideration
     3. 2.3 Actions under consideration
     4. 2.4 Scope and limitations
     5. 2.5 Human rights under consideration
  3. Colombian human rights context
  4. Government of Canada’s support for human rights in Colombia
     1. 4.1 Canadian advocacy and engagement on human rights in Colombia
     2. 4.2 Canada's international assistance to Colombia.
     3. 4.3 Canada’s promotion of inclusive trade in Colombia
  5. Government of Canada’s approach to responsible business conduct and the evaluation of commercial transactions on human rights
     1. 5.1 Responsible business conduct: Canada's support and international collaboration with Colombia
     2. 5.2 Canada’s export controls review process
     3. 5.3 Human rights evaluation methodologies for key crown corporations: Export Development Canada, FinDev Canada and Canadian Commercial Corporation
  6. The Canada-Colombia trade relationship
  7. Canada’s actions under the CCOFTA Implementation Act in 2024
     1. 7.1 Overview of actions taken under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
     2. 7.2 Tariff elimination schedule
  8. Canada’s actions under the agreement on labour cooperation and environment agreement
     1. 8.1 The agreement on labour cooperation
     2. 8.2 The environment agreement
  9. Consultations
     1. 9.1 Public consultations
     2. 9.2 Consultations with provinces and territories
  10. Conclusion
• Annexes

Executive summary

Canada's 14^th annual report pursuant to the (the Agreement) includes a review of actions taken between January 1 and December 31, 2024 by the Government of Canada in the context of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCOFTA), the  (Agreement on Labour Cooperation), and the (Environment Agreement), and an analysis of the impact of these actions on human rights in Canada and the Republic of Colombia.

In accordance with the implementing legislation, section 15.1 of the (Implementation Act), this report has retained its focus on the impacts of tariff reductions undertaken under the CCOFTA according to the Tariff Elimination Schedule of Canada. Only one tariff line remained to be liberalized under CCOFTA in 2024, refined sugar, which was fully eliminated on January 1, 2025. The report found no impacts on human rights that could be associated directly with Canada's 2024 tariff reductions.

As has been the case in every previous year, the 14th annual report is unable to demonstrate that any actions taken by the Government of Canada in 2024 through the implementation of the CCOFTA (i.e. tariff reductions related to the CCOFTA and actions taken under the Agreement on Labour Cooperation or the Environment Agreement) have had a direct impact on human rights in Canada or Colombia.

However, this report goes beyond the basic reporting requirements to include assessments of other issues, including the human rights context in Colombia, Canada’s programming, advocacy and capacity-building activities to promote human rights in Colombia, Canada’s mechanisms and tools to protect human rights in Colombia and an overview of the Canada-Colombia trade relationship.

To prepare this report, the Government of Canada launched a public consultation process between February 17 and March 16, 2025. The Government of Canada received two submissions.

The Government of Canada also consulted with provincial and territorial governments on whether any of their respective human rights commissions (or equivalent bodies) had raised or received any comments, questions or expressions of concern, related to human rights and the implementation of the CCOFTA in 2024. The Government of Canada received feedback from six provinces indicating there were no comments or expressions of concern. Since the entry into force of the CCOFTA, no concerns have been registered via these mechanisms, which form part of the obligations under the agreement.

Colombia continues to face significant instability and insecurity. Armed groups, the presence of illicit economic activities, and a lack of effective state presence in all regions of the country have meant ongoing poverty and violence faced by Colombians, particularly Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Peace dialogues with several armed groups including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and several Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissident groups stalled in 2024.

According to Luz Adriana Camargo, Colombia’s Attorney General, Colombia remains the country with the highest rate of killing of human rights defenders in the world.^{Footnote 1} According to Indepaz (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz), 173 social leaders were killed in 2024 (until 21 December).^{Footnote 2} This is less than in 2023 (181) and 2022 (215) according to the human rights ombudsperson's office (Defensoría del Pueblo).^{Footnote 3} Most of these incidents occurred in regions at the centre of the internal armed conflict. In 2024, events in neighbouring Venezuela continued to significantly affect Colombia, especially in areas along the border. Despite these important and ongoing challenges, the Government of Colombia has continued to make the promotion and protection of human rights a priority.

The protection of human rights is a Canadian priority. Government of Canada officials raise human rights issues with the Government of Colombia at all levels. The Government of Canada also advocates for the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC, particularly the ethnic chapter and gender equality priorities. Supporting the work of human rights defenders in Colombia remains an integral part of the work of the Embassy of Canada to Colombia.

Canada is working to leverage private sector relationships and civil society expertise to bring economic opportunities to rural, conflict-affected areas, targeting women and underemployed youth. These efforts include employing proven models for agricultural cooperatives and rural financing. Canada is currently implementing an innovative results-based payments project with cacao producers in conflict-affected areas that provides licit economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for rural producers in a growing economic niche.

Canada also continued to support the Colombian Mining Association’s (ACM) adoption of the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard, which fosters inclusive trade through the promotion of equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces within the mining sector. The five-year adoption process began in 2021 and has resulted in 35 companies committing to its endorsement.

In 2024, total bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries was valued at $2.5 billion, an increase of approximately $1.1 billion or 82 per cent from pre-CCOFTA levels in 2010.

1. Introduction

Canada and the Republic of Colombia signed the  (the Agreement) on May 27, 2010. This agreement requires Canada and Colombia to each draft an annual report on the actions taken by their respective governments under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (CCOFTA) and the impacts of those actions on human rights.

The Agreement entered into force on August 15, 2011, concurrently with the CCOFTA, alongside the  (Agreement on Labour Cooperation), and the (Environment Agreement).

This report joins a range of actions through which Canada supports Colombia's efforts toward greater security, prosperity and respect for human rights. The Canada-Colombia relationship also includes longstanding development cooperation, support for Colombia's justice, security, and peacebuilding efforts, expanding trade and investment, growing mobility between countries (tourism, study, business, immigration) and close cooperation on regional and multilateral issues. Colombia is a constructive, valued partner for Canada in the region and internationally, with a shared commitment to the values of democracy, transparency, multilateralism, and economic cooperation and integration.

2. Reporting requirements

2.1 Canada's statutory obligations

Canada's obligations under the Agreement are incorporated into Canadian law under section 15.1 of the (Implementation Act):

15.1 Pursuant to the Agreement Concerning Annual Reports on Human Rights and Free Trade Between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, the Minister shall cause to be laid before each House of Parliament by May 15 of each year or, if that House is not then sitting, on any of the 30 days next thereafter that it is sitting, a report on the operation of this Act during the previous calendar year, containing a general summary of all actions taken under the authority of this Act, and an analysis of the impact of these actions on human rights in Canada and the Republic of Colombia.

2.2 Time period under consideration

The 14th annual report covers the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

2.3 Actions under consideration

The implementing legislation specifies the report be on actions taken by the government under the authority of the Implementation Act within the designated period and an analysis of the impact of these actions on human rights in Canada and the Republic of Colombia. The Implementation Act covers the CCOFTA, the Agreement on Labour Cooperation and the Environment Agreement.

2.4 Scope and limitations

This report considers the impact of the Government of Canada’s actions on human rights under the CCOFTA, the Agreement on Labour Cooperation and the Environment Agreement, including tariff reductions. Private sector activities are not within the scope of this report.

As a follow-up to the consultations undertaken with domestic stakeholders in 2019, some modifications to the report’s format, content and methodology were phased in over three years between 2021 and 2023 (covering activities of 2020-2022). These modifications are also reflected in this year’s report.

2.5 Human rights under consideration

Canada will continue to be a consistent voice for the protection of human rights and take action to address the roots of these challenges to contribute to a just and inclusive world. Promoting respect for human rights is at the heart of Canada’s international policies and engagement. Canada works bilaterally, regionally, multilaterally, and through international trade, development and consular assistance, to strengthen the rules-based international order that protects universal human rights, democracy and respect for the rule of law. Canada is a strong global advocate for strengthening the international human rights system and for human rights defenders and their vital work even when this requires tough conversations and the risk of consequences.

Canada's international engagement is based on the principle that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that all individuals shall have the equal protection of the law, including the universal rights to exercise their freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, whether in-person or online.

3. Colombian human rights context

Colombia is the fourth largest country geographically in South America with an ethnically diverse population of 52 million. As an emerging free market economy with strong democratic traditions, Colombia joined the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2020. Colombia has an advanced normative human rights framework, which has served as a model for other countries in the region and has ratified most international human rights instruments and International Labour Organization (ILO) fundamental conventions.^{Footnote 4}

Colombia has made significant strides in the last two decades to reduce poverty and violence through economic growth and social investment, and made important progress in strengthening peace, security, and the rule of law. Unfortunately, the effects of climate-related events are on the rise, and significant social and geographic inequalities remain and hinder economic growth.^{Footnote 5} Colombia’s rural and remote areas face higher levels of poverty and violence, limited state presence, and illicit economies that fuel illegal armed groups and insecurity. According to the World Bank, Colombia is the ninth most unequal country in the world.^{Footnote 6}

Several government institutions in Colombia have a human rights mandate and focus. Among those are the (1) Ministry of Equality and Equity, the (2) Presidential Council for Human Rights (Consejería para los Derechos Humanos), the (3) Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar), the (4) Ombudsperson’s Office (Defensoría del Pueblo) and the (5) Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la Nación).

President Gustavo Petro’s Total Peace policy continues to face significant hurdles. Despite the establishment of talks and negotiations with nine of the largest armed organizations in the country,^{Footnote 7} progress has been minimal, with negotiations facing repeated setbacks and yielding few to no tangible results. Violence remains prevalent in several regions, with continued record numbers of human rights defenders and civil society leaders threatened and killed. According to Luz Adriana Camargo, Colombia’s Attorney General, Colombia remains the country with the highest rate of killing of human rights defenders globally.^{Footnote 8}

Different organizations have different metrics and methods for tracking this type of violence and so this report considers metrics from several organizations to get a more complete picture of Colombia’s human rights situation. The Colombian Ombudsperson, the national government agency charged with overseeing the protection of civil and human rights, recorded 160 killings of human rights defenders and community leaders between January 1 and November 30, 2024, a decrease from the 181 cases documented in 2023. Meanwhile, Indepaz (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz), a recognized Colombian non-profit organization focused on human rights, reported a higher figure, tracking 173 killings in 2024.^{Footnote 9} Though lower than the 181 cases in 2023 and 215 in 2022, according to the Ombudsperson’s Office,^{Footnote 10} these incidents continue to be concentrated in regions deeply affected by the internal armed conflict.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) received 186 allegations of killings of human rights defenders, of which 80 were verified, 95 were found to be inconclusive, and 11 were still being reviewed at the time this report was being drafted.^{Footnote 11}

Violence has remained high despite Colombian authorities’ efforts to continue implementing a series of early warning and protection measures for human rights defenders under threat. Civil society actors remain concerned about a lack of resources and inadequate funding, leading to insufficient protection measures or prevention efforts. Although the Ombudsperson's Office continues to emit early warnings, the lack of government presence in remote territories, and delay or lack of action when human rights defenders submit official complaints, in cases of irregular conduct by public servants or contractors, or denunciations, in cases of infractions or crimes,  also affect trust from civil society in the government. While the government was hoping the ceasefires with different illegal armed groups would contribute to safety, it has not, to-date, led to noticeable improvements.

In 2024, events in neighbouring Venezuela continued to significantly affect Colombia, especially in areas along the border, with Venezuelan migrants and refugees crossing into Colombia. Since 2017, Colombia has welcomed more than 2.8 million of the total 7.9 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees (5.3 per cent of Colombia’s population and 35 per cent of the total Venezuelan exodus.) This flow of migrants and refugees has placed additional burdens on already strained public services, including health, education, and protection, particularly in border areas. The World Bank reports that by December 2024, some 1.9 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia had successfully acquired Temporary Protection Status, allowing them to access social services, protection, and seek employment for a period of 10 years. Despite commendable regularization efforts, however, the U.N. reports that nearly 70 per cent of Venezuelans in Colombia continue to face challenges and unmet needs related to their socio-economic integration. Colombia also serves as a transit country for Venezuelan refugees and migrants moving toward Central and North America. The transcontinental migration flows through the Darién Gap decreased by 42 per cent in 2024, from 520,085 in 2023 to 302,203, according to Panamanian authorities.^{Footnote 12}

Armed conflict dynamics and the growth of criminal networks, particularly in the Darién gap, has exacerbated the risks of human trafficking and abuse of refugees and migrants in-transit. Other regions that experienced an increase in violence and forced displacements include Norte de Santander, Sur de Bolívar, Bajo Cauca antioqueño, Arauca, Vichada-Guainía, Guaviare-Meta, Pacífico chocoano, Norte del Cauca, Putumayo-Caquetá, La Guajira, Valle del Cauca, and Catatumbo. Afro-Colombian and Indigenous peoples, especially women and LGBTQI+ people from these communities, remain disproportionately affected by the deteriorating security situation in these regions.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Colombia ranks among the top four countries globally with the highest number of displaced persons, and currently, 6.8 million displaced individuals remain in vulnerable situations. Other key concerns include: child recruitment by non-state armed groups; high levels of sexual- and gender-based violence; homicides and threats against vulnerable groups (LGBTQI+, Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities in particular); extorsion; and use of antipersonnel mines. Another concern is reprisal killings of demobilized Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) members. According to Indepaz, there were 31 peace signatories killed in 2024.^{Footnote 13}

In areas vacated by the former FARC, it is reported that other non-state armed groups have filled the void by increasing or consolidating their presence and their involvement in illegal economies, putting communities at risk. The human rights situation of historically marginalized groups and leaders in these areas remains a grave concern. The increase in targeted killings and threats against community and social leaders is particularly concerning, occurring mostly in rural regions. According to a report by Fundación Ideas para la Paz (FIP), armed groups have strengthened their control in certain areas of the country, coexist or even have formed alliances in others and clash one against another in disputed areas.^{Footnote 14} Therefore, the impact of the current ongoing conflict varies by region. The International Crisis Group (ICG) reported the Gulf Clan (Clan del Golfo) is growing by roughly 20 per cent every six months.^{Footnote 15}

Illegal armed groups appear to continue advancing and expanding their armed governance through actions that control the social, political and economic life of civilians who live in these territories under their control. In 2024, the Ombudsperson’s Office recorded 463 cases of recruitment of children by illegal armed groups, including 279 boys and 184 girls, with most of these cases (325) happening in Cauca.^{Footnote 16}  During that same period, Colombia’s armed forces rescued 447 children from various illegal armed groups.^{Footnote 17}

Peace processes

As a result of the 2016 peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC, more than 13,000 former FARC combatants demobilized. According to the as of March 2024, 79 per cent of accredited ex-combatants (10,878) are involved in individual (63 per cent) and collective (37 per cent) productive initiatives. However, significant challenges remain with the peace agreement’s implementation, including delays in government investment, tensions and violence surrounding the coca eradication process, and reparations for victims. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC)—whose mandate was extended until October 31, 2025—has supported the implementation of the peace agreement, with a focus on verifying the commitments related to the reintegration of former FARC members, as well as the guarantees of protection and security for communities in areas most affected by the conflict, and also monitors the implementation of the rural reform and ethnic chapters of the peace agreement.

The Organization of American States (OAS) monitors Colombia’s peace efforts through the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP-OAS). Since 2004, MAPP-OAS tracks violence, human rights issues, and peace negotiations in rural areas affected by armed conflict. With its mandate renewed until 2027, it continues to ensure oversight and support for Colombia’s peace process.

Most of the original peace signatories are still in the reincorporation process and so-called FARC dissident groups are largely made up of new recruits. The Comunes party, the recognized political party formed by ex-FARC members, presented 144 candidates in the most recent regional and municipal elections in 2023. Eighteen former combatants were elected, including one elected as a mayor of a municipality.

The Total Peace policy was brought forward by the government in 2022 to end Colombia's ongoing armed conflict and break the cycle of violence through simultaneous negotiations with all illegal armed and criminal groups in the country. The policy allows for peace negotiations with armed groups recognized as having political status, such as the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents [Estado Mayor Central (EMC) and Segunda Marquetalia]. It also includes socio-legal frameworks for the surrender of criminal organizations like the Gulf Clan, the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada, and urban gangs in Quibdó, Buenaventura, and Medellín.

Peace dialogues with the ELN and FARC dissidents stalled in 2024. A crisis arose in early 2024 with the government's announcement of its intention to initiate a parallel dialogue with a regional faction of the ELN, the Frente Comuneros del Sur.^{Footnote 18} The ELN national leadership interpreted this as a government strategy to divide its ranks and demanded the government abandon the talks. To gain higher status among the other Total Peace groups and enhance its international legitimacy, the ELN also demanded that it no longer be classified as an organized armed group. Since then, negotiations have not advanced. The bilateral cease fire expired in August 2024 and was not extended. The process was then officially suspended in September after the ELN attacked a military base in Arauca. The accusations of government non-compliance by the ELN and the government's claim of the ELN's lack of willingness to negotiate in good faith have plunged the Total Peace‘s most promising peace negotiation process (along with the Frente Comuneros del Sur in the department of Nariño) into a deep crisis with no clear perspectives to resume talks in the short term.

Amid escalating violence, on March 17, 2024, the government also suspended the bilateral ceasefire with the EMC in three regions of southwest Colombia, following the group’s attack and murder of three Indigenous leaders. Ongoing ceasefire violations have put the process in crisis, leading the EMC to divide into two factions: one open to negotiations (under Calarcá) and a larger faction continuing military actions, particularly in the southwest (under Iván Mordisco). In response, the government launched the Cauca Mission to reinforce military and police operations in the region. On October 18, 2024, the government and the EMC faction led by Calarcá concluded the sixth round of talks in Bogotá, announcing eleven agreements, including measures to ensure citizen participation and an extension of the ceasefire for six months, until April 2025.

In 2024, the government also initiated a negotiation process with the Segunda Marquetalia. Parties appointed their negotiators and agreed on nine points, including a ceasefire, hostages' release, and de-escalation of violence. The group was initially a coalition of three blocs (former FARC leaders, Coordinadora Guerrillera del Pacífico and Comandos de la Frontera), where both the unity and the chain of command were unclear, complicating the negotiation process. In November 2024, the group split due to internal leadership disputes. The majority faction, including the Coordinadora Guerrillera del Pacífico and Comandos de la Frontera, remains engaged in talks with the government, though lacking clear progress and end goals.

In August 2024, the government announced the opening of two dialogues, 1) with the Gulf Clan, the country's largest criminal group, and 2) with the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN). Both dialogues sought to “verify their willingness to transition to the rule of law” and “establish terms for their submission to justice.” The government also started dialogues with criminal gangs in Quibdó, Medellín, and Buenaventura to address urban violence. While truces have reduced homicides, they have not stopped extortions or other illicit activities. These truces remain fragile and their sustainability uncertain due to a lack of legal framework for benefits and guarantees. Urban processes have focused on extending truces and maintaining dialogue spaces, with no clear path forward.

President Petro underscored that comprehensive rural reform remains a priority for his government. He acknowledged that limited progress had been made on this chapter since the signing of the 2016 peace accord and called for Congress to adopt legislation to speed up land distribution. He set a goal of adjudicating 600,000 hectares to peasants, rural women and victims by the end of 2025, moving towards the overall target set out in the peace accord of providing 3 million hectares of land. However, according to the UN Verification Mission, only 5.7 per cent have been adjudicated. Sustained and adequate funding remains crucial to advancing both objectives.^{Footnote 19}

In October 2024, the government presented a plan, comprised of six areas, to speed up the implementation of the 2016 peace accord by accelerating state investment and land purchases, prioritizing target regions and focusing on key bills before Congress. In December 2024, a Congressional committee approved a new judicial entity “Agrarian Jurisdiction” to regulate agrarian conflicts and improve access to justice in rural areas of the country. However, the bill to enact the Agrarian Jurisdiction, Proyecto de Ley N° 183 de 2024, still needs to be approved by both plenaries.^{Footnote 20}

Follow-up on the recommendations of the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition (CEV), and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP)

In December 2024, the Commitee for Follow-up and Monitoring (Comite de Seguimiento y Monitoreo) of the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for the Clarification of Truth, Coexistence, and Non-Repetition (CEV) released its third report. The report highlighted the fragility of local and territorial governance, which are exploited by armed groups due to the State’s structural inability to address social issues and ensure basic services, particularly in remote areas. It also pointed to a political economy that fuels the persistence of armed conflict—through extorsion, illegal economies, and drug trafficking—allowing armed actors to thrive. Given this reality, the report stressed the need for justice processes, under both ordinary and transitional justice, to require disclosure of third parties who profit from illegal activities. This measure would support reparative justice and help finance territorial transformation programs.

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) continued advancing on transitional justice, issuing indictments against those most responsible for serious crimes and receiving acknowledgments of responsibility. No restorative sentences were issued in 2024, and there are concerns around the setup of necessary conditions for their implementation. JEP statements suggested cases might be transferred back to ordinary courts if investigations could not be completed within the set timeframe—potentially resulting in prison sentences instead of restorative justice. Former FARC-EP members and other actors criticized this, warning of its negative impact on those under JEP’s jurisdiction and as well as on the guarantees of the peace process. The JEP later reassured the process would be upheld for those meeting their obligations, emphasizing that timely progress requires commitment from all parties.

4. Government of Canada’s support for human rights in Colombia

The Government of Canada maintains a whole-of-government approach to its bilateral relations with Colombia through its political, consular, commercial, international assistance, and peace and security activities and programming. Canada leverages various aspects of its bilateral engagement and programming tools in Colombia to support Colombia's efforts to address human rights challenges.

Canada plays a leading role within the international community in Colombia on the promotion of human rights. In addition to significant programming aimed directly at improving human rights conditions in Colombia, the Government of Canada holds regular human rights consultations with the Government of Colombia as part of its broader bilateral consultations and the Embassy of Canada participates in formal and informal groups on human rights with civil society, government, other countries and multilateral organizations. Canada also regularly engages with Colombian civil society organizations, human rights defenders, unions, journalists, women's organizations, international humanitarian agencies, UN agencies, and government bodies.

4.1 Canadian advocacy and engagement on human rights in Colombia

Throughout 2024, Canada continued raising concerns with the Government of Colombia at all levels of engagement. Examples include highlighting the situation of marginalized and vulnerable populations, specific cases of imminent threats against members of civil society organizations, and advocacy for corrective actions. Canada also advocates for women's rights and gender equality in Colombia.

Promoting respect for and supporting human rights defenders is an integral part of the human rights work undertaken by the Embassy of Canada to Colombia. In line with Voices at Risk: Canada's Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, Canada’s approach to supporting human rights defenders is based on three values: 1) human rights are universal and inalienable, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated; 2) do no harm—the safety and privacy of the human rights defenders are paramount; and 3) consent—actions on specific cases should be taken with the free, full, and informed consent of the human rights defenders in question, wherever possible, or of their representatives or families, in the alternative.

Canada contributes directly to the protection of human rights defenders and social leaders in Colombia through different programming channels such as the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs), the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and the Women's Voice and Leadership - Colombia project.

PSOPs provides contributions to the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund and to other projects focused on accessing justice through the transitional justice system, on strengthening Indigenous protection mechanisms and on preventing the involvement of children in armed conflict. The programming integrates a “do no harm” approach to mitigate the risks to project participants.

Through the CFLI, Canada supports local development assistance initiatives in Colombia aimed at promoting human rights (particularly those of women, Indigenous Peoples and LGBTQI+ groups), governance and democracy. In 2024, seven human rights initiatives in Colombia were selected for support through CFLI, with a total value of $270,000. The initiatives benefited populations in the departments of Antioquia, Bolívar, Cauca, Guaviare, Nariño, and Meta, and the City of Bogotá.

A CFLI project with COMPAZ supported 70 vulnerable Afro-Colombian women from a highly-conflict-affected region. The project aimed to build capacity and strengthen their management of the environment.

Another CFLI project, in partnership with CAHUCOPANA, strengthened community protection and auto-protection mechanisms in the rural areas of Segovia. This project directly supported the work of 45 human rights defenders by providing them training on human rights, materials needed for their work and support in creating protection mechanisms for women and girls who are at higher risk vis-a-vis armed groups.

A project with FUNDEPAZ aimed to build the adaptive capacity of public and civil society organizations to respond to extreme weather events in Colombia through community empowerment workshops, technical support, and a capacity development strategy that supported 429 participants. This project provided a set of activities ranging from capacity-building to dialogue and production of plans to mitigate risks of natural catastrophes for several communities on the Pacific Coast and included Indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations to create an inclusive plan, designed and agreed by all groups of these communities.

The Embassy of Canada supported the 2024 edition of the “Trazos de Paz” contest, organized by UNICEF Colombia and the CEV aimed at enabling young Colombians to learn about and promote the findings and recommendations of the CEV’s Final Report through art. In its second edition, more than 731 teenagers and young people from all over the country participated with nearly 550 artistic pieces, including songs, videos, writings, and illustrations, sharing their proposals and reflections for a peaceful Colombia. Canada participated along with other missions in Colombia (EU, Belgium, Sweden, Norway) and local and international organizations supported this contest. The contest was launched in July, and the award ceremony was held on November 27, 2024.

As part of Canada's support, the Embassy awarded the winner three mentoring sessions, with a prominent Colombian living in Canada, an author and a member of the Embassy of Canada staff. The sessions addressed topics of interest to the winner, related to the field of writing, editing, and publishing, as well as the life project and personal experiences of the mentors that could serve as a guide. The support provided for this initiative allowed Canada to reaffirm its leadership in peace issues, and to strengthen the work of UNICEF and other local actors in addressing violence again children as well as children recruitment by armed actors in Colombia.

The Women’s Voice and Leadership - Colombia project has placed particular emphasis on the rights of women and girls. WVL–Colombia, as part of Canada’s broader WVL program, has provided support to 15 women’s rights organizations (WROs) and national networks working to empower women and girls, promote their rights, and advance gender equality. This support has included a combination of stable, multi-year funding; fast and reactive funding to respond to urgent needs; technical assistance and capacity-strengthening; and alliance-building support. The 15 WROs and national networks supported by WVL-Colombia have been empowered to lead advocacy campaigns reaching 52,340 individuals and provide support to an additional 63 grassroots organizations and women’s collectives (or 22,920 people). Of these 22,920 beneficiaries, 30 per cent identified as young women, 56 per cent as Afro-Colombian, 32 per cent as rural mestizo, and 12 per cent as Indigenous women. The work of these WROs and national networks also includes programming to promote and protect women’s and girls’ rights; the right to live free of violence; participation in decision-making structures, support for victims and survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence; the cultural and environmental rights of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian women; and food sovereignty.

The WROs and national networks supported by WVL-Colombia have also reported improved capacity to collaborate and engage in collective action to influence laws and public policies. This has included participation in COP16, agrarian reform, “Total Peace” processes, local development plans, and updates to the law that supports the quality of life for rural women (). Finally, and in recognition of the significant threats they face, WVL-Colombia has placed special emphasis on WROs’ capacity to engage in risk analysis and protection strategies, including through partnerships with Protection International.

Embassy representatives meet regularly with human rights officials, such as the Representative of the Colombia Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Colombian Ombudsperson, the Presidential Advisor for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, the Inspector General, human rights directors from the Ministries of Defence and Interior, and numerous civil society organizations. Officials from 抖淫视频 also hold meetings in Canada with Colombian and Canadian civil society organizations to discuss their ongoing concerns surrounding human rights and Colombia's peace implementation, especially threats and killings of social leaders and HRDs. These meetings provide Canadian officials the opportunity to hear first-hand about the challenges facing communities in Colombia, especially in remote and rural areas. When the Embassy receives credible information regarding threats or attacks against known HRDs, the Ambassador sends letters to the relevant Colombian authorities to raise the issue, share our concerns, and ask for effective measures to protect the individuals and to investigate the matter.

In 2024, the Embassy of Canada completed its two-year mandate as Chair of the International Cooperation Gender Working Group, composed of 51 international cooperation agencies, embassies, United Nations System agencies and international NGOs. The Working Group continued to support the construction of Colombia's first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which culminated in its official launch in November 2024. Switzerland assumed the Chair in 2025.

In 2024, the Embassy of Canada conducted several visits around the country including to conflict-affected regions of Colombia to visit communities. These visits (including others conducted virtually or through project monitoring visits) enable Canadian officials to meet with local government and security authorities, civil society organizations, rural communities, including women, Indigenous and Afro-Colombians, regional human rights ombudspersons, humanitarian organizations and members of international non鈥慻overnmental organizations that are active in the field. In 2024, the Embassy visited Líbano, Tolima, Cartagena, Medellin, Pasto and Tumaco.

In February 2024, senior officials from 抖淫视频’s humanitarian assistance division participated in an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) donor mission to Colombia, including a visit to the Catatumbo region. Engagement with the ICRC is critical in supporting communities affected by internal armed conflict.

On May 29-30^th, 2024, the Board of Governors of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) carried out an official mission to Colombia. The visit focused on interactions with IDRC grantees and beneficiaries, discussions on how IDRC contributes to innovative responses to development challenges and the relevance of mobilizing alliances, scaling results and developing collaboration with 抖淫视频 and other stakeholders. Issues covered included strengthening sustainable care systems, improving health and food security resilience amongst communities affected by climate change, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence to inform public health preparatory responses to pandemics.

In 2024, the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) completed a peer-learning exercise on locally-led development, which included a field visit to Colombia, co-organized by Spain, Switzerland and Canada, and a multi-stakeholder consultation event in July 2024 on “Learning by example: pathways towards effective locally led development co-operation."

In November 2024, Colombia hosted the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence against children. Canada participated both in the preparatory phases as well as co-hosting side events.

4.2 Canada's international assistance to Colombia

Canada and Colombia share more than 50 years of collaborative engagement on development cooperation. Canada's international assistance in Colombia was valued at $43.42 million in 2023/2024 [note these are preliminary figures that may change following further quality assurance].

Since 2013, Canada's total official international assistance (ODA) to Colombia has amounted to more than $612 million, delivered via a diverse range of civil society, multilateral, academic, private sector and government partners. This support includes 抖淫视频 bilateral assistance, such as peace and security initiatives, humanitarian assistance and assistance to multilateral organizations, as well as ODA via other channels, such as the International Development Research Centre, international financial institutions, provinces and municipalities and other federal government departments. Through its investments, Canada supports Colombia's ambitious and transformational peace and development agenda, including through a focus on peacebuilding, inclusive economic growth, human rights, gender equality and women's empowerment, and rural development and innovation.

Response to Venezuela’s migrant crisis

Canada recognizes the impact of the Venezuelan migrant crisis on Colombia and the additional strains it has put on health and education systems across the country, particularly in border areas. Since 2019, Canada has provided more than $260 million in humanitarian, development and security assistance to respond to this crisis, both within Venezuela and across the LAC region, of which $80.5 million supported Venezuelan refugees and migrants and host communities in Colombia. This includes investments in migrant education as a follow up to Canada's G7 2018 Charlevoix commitments. In 2023/2024, Canada continued to implement initiatives aimed at improving access to education for migrant girls; protecting unaccompanied children; addressing sexual- and gender-based violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights; as well as providing economic integration measures to facilitate access to jobs and basic social services; and providing technical assistance to the Colombia government and institutions for improved migration management and policies.

Canada continues to participate with Colombia in the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF), which provides development support to middle-income countries impacted by refugee crises.

Human rights promotion and protection

Canadian international assistance protects and promotes the human rights of groups in the most vulnerable situations and supports their increased participation and inclusion in equal decision-making. Canada supports the protection needs of internally displaced persons, including protection measures, humanitarian support and prevention of human trafficking and child recruitment into armed conflict. Our regional programming supports the efforts of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, which includes work with Colombia’s national authorities and national judicial systems as well as with civil society organizations to address discrimination, sexual- and gender-based violence and advance women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights. See Annex 1 for examples of international assistance programming linked to human rights promotion in Colombia in 2024.

Economic development, financial inclusion and social impact investing

Canadian international assistance supported a portfolio of projects with new partners from the private sector aimed at better including marginalized populations in economic markets beyond subsistence livelihoods. For example, the social impact investment firm Social Venture Exchange (SVX) is helping to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of rural enterprises by catalyzing the impact investment for the development of rural Colombia. Since 2022, the partnership has leveraged $13.6M in investments, grants and loans to support local impact investment funds, enterprises and acceleration programs. As a result, more than 600 enterprises increased their productivity and 20 women-owned or led firms increased their investment. Développement International Desjardins (DID) implemented a $5M project (2020-2025), addressing the economic and social empowerment of women and youth in rural Colombia, which has built the capacity of nine local financial institutions to mobilize $105M CAD in loans, of which 81% were provided to rural women. These are examples of how Canada is working with new stakeholders such as the private sector to co-finance and leverage investments that will result in greater social inclusion and impact for the most marginalized populations.

Canada is working to leverage private sector relationships and civil society expertise to bring economic opportunities to rural, conflict-affected areas, targeting women and underemployed youth. These efforts are employing proven models for agricultural cooperatives and rural financing. Canada is currently implementing an innovative results-based payments project with cacao producers in conflict-affected areas that provides licit economic opportunities and improved livelihoods for rural producers in a growing economic niche. Since 2023, it has been implementing the Rural Entrepreneurship for Women in Agricultural Rural Development project, designed to help improve sustainable livelihoods, economic well-being and influence of rural women and youth in post-conflict and poverty-stricken areas of the country.

抖淫视频 (GAC) has several types of Expert Deployment Mechanisms (EDMs), which are used as a programming tool in international assistance to respond to demands for technical assistance from various partners.

The Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM), managed by Alinea International, responds to requests for Canadian technical assistance related to poverty reduction from national-level government entities in ODA-eligible countries. TAP-EDM deploys Canadian experts from Canadian civil society, academia, and the private sector. The program enables Canada to advance its international assistance and foreign policy priorities while promoting Canadian expertise, values and leadership abroad. TAP-EDM supported four initiatives in Colombia (2022–2025) in gender equality, inclusive governance, environmental protection and climate action. Two are completed and two are ongoing. One of these initiatives (2024-2025) provided technical assistance to Colombia's National Planning Department (DNP) & Colombian Observatory for Venezuelan Migration (OMV) on data management and analysis, helping them to prioritize the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. This technical assistance enabled the DNP to enhance its capacity to design and implement a transparent, accountable, and gender-responsive digital information system. Through workshops and technical support, participants improved their skills in data visualization, analysis, and automation, leading to significant advancements in data management and operational efficiency. The initiative resulted in better decision-making processes and the integration of gender equity in policies, ultimately benefiting the socio-economic integration of migrants.

The Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development (EDM-TD) ($16.5 million, 2018-2026) project deploys Canadian and international technical experts to assist Colombia and other developing countries and regions to negotiate, implement, adapt to and benefit from bilateral or regional Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (FIPAs) with Canada. The EDM-TD project in Colombia has delivered training workshops and organizational support aimed at promoting trade benefits to women entrepreneurs, Indigenous people, Afro Colombians, and other marginalized groups. This includes: raising awareness of gender equality and social inclusion considerations in government procurement; undertaking a needs assessment survey of programs and services offered by the National Association of Exporters of Colombia (ANALDEX) affiliates to identify opportunities for advancing gender equality and social inclusion; a training and business guide for agricultural producer associations  on export development, including improving access and knowledge for groups of women, Indigenous people, and vulnerable communities; and e-commerce training and a business guide to expand access to export-oriented economic opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women, Indigenous people or other marginalized groups. In 2024, ProColombia and Canada supported these SMEs in increasing their exports, including developing community-based tourism opportunities and increasing the capacity of agricultural producers to access new markets. To date, EDM-TD completed 12 technical assistance activities in Colombia, with a total of 337 officials trained, 400 private sector organizations and 24 civil society organizations supported.

Supporting conditions for lasting peace

In 2024, Canada contributed $5.6 million in project funding for peacebuilding efforts in Colombia through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs). These efforts include:

• Strengthening of national demining capacity and the delivery of mine risk education to affected communities, support to transitional justice, human rights and civilian protection, as well as support to civil society, women's and ethnic people’s participation in the implementation of the 2016 Peace Process, including through an intersectional approach focused on LGBTQI+ people. Support for the participation of these groups is vital to pave the way for long-term peacebuilding in conflict-affected communities;
• Support to Colombia’s “Total Peace” policy through projects focusing on the participation of women and youth to contribute to prioritization exercises, as well as the issue of recruitment of children and youth into armed groups and criminal gangs;
• Support to the Organization of American States’ Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia (MAPP/OAS) to monitor and promote human rights and the protection of vulnerable communities and individuals in the post-peace accord context;
• Funding the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) supporting the implementation of thematic and territorial priorities related to the peace agreement, as defined by the Government of Colombia. These include integral reparation for victims, guarantee for truth, justice, and non-repetition, security guarantees for human rights defenders and human rights organizations, gender equality and women's empowerment, mine action and communication at the territorial level of progress regarding stabilization and peace consolidation. In 2024, MPTF projects also included some dedicated funding to support the Government’s negotiation and dialogue processes with armed groups and criminal gangs; and
• Funding to UNICEF to provide technical support to peace negotiation actors to promote child right provisions in peace negotiations; work with national and local governments to advance gender and ethnic-sensitive legal mechanisms for the demobilization and reintegration of young people from criminal groups into communities; and support to initiatives by at-risk youth, including young women, focusing on reducing violence in their communities.

In 2024, Canada took careful note of the various concerns expressed by the international community and Colombian civil society of delays in implementing promised peace programs and key provisions of the 2016 peace agreement, as well as concerns regarding the increased killings of community and social leaders in rural Colombia. In bringing attention to these issues and seeking avenues of cooperation with the Government of Colombia and others, Canada continues to support constructive ways forward on the implementation of the 2016 peace agreement.

In recent years, Canada has taken steps to recognize the role of social leaders and organizations in supporting peace-building efforts through the Global Pluralism Award, the regional Human Rights Leaders Award, and the CaMina Award, awarded jointly by the Embassies of Belgium and Canada.

Canada and Colombia are collaborating to reach the most vulnerable women, girls and families in Colombia's conflict-affected regions. This includes programs to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights to break the cycle of poverty and gender-based violence and tackle some of the barriers that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. Canada also supports efforts to respond to emergency needs through the provision of gender-responsive humanitarian assistance, particularly along Colombia's Pacific coast and in border regions.

Through the implementation of Canada's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, Canada is supporting stabilization and longer-term peacebuilding efforts, including transitional justice, human rights and security sector transformation. Discussions since 2022 to assist the Colombian government in developing its own National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security successfully concluded with the November 2024 Vice-Presidential launch of Colombia's first National Action Plan.

4.3 Canada’s promotion of inclusive trade in Colombia

Canada is deepening cooperation with Colombia on inclusive trade, specifically on trade and gender through the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA). Colombia joined GTAGA in 2022 and collaborates with Canada and other members (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru) to promote gender responsive trade policies and advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Canada would also welcome Colombia’s interest in joining the Inclusive Trade Action Group (ITAG) and the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).

5. Government of Canada’s approach to responsible business conduct and the evaluation of commercial transactions on human rights

5.1 Responsible business conduct

Canada's RBC approach in Colombia

In alignment with Responsible Business Conduct Abroad: Canada’s Strategy for the Future, the Government of Canada expects all Canadian companies active in Colombia to respect human rights in their operations and adopt RBC best practices and internationally respected guidelines.

In Colombia, this includes work by the Embassy of Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) to provide high level RBC-related services to the Canadian business community active in the country, building networks with key stakeholders, engaging communities, and reinforcing Canadian RBC leadership, excellence and best practices, especially in the extractive sector. This is achieved through regular meetings with Canadian companies, sharing of key documents and information produced by the Government of Canada and by third-party organizations, and through specific initiatives such as workshops and forums for open dialogue.

In 2024, Canada supported the Colombian Mining Association (ACM) in adopting the Mining Association of Canada's Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard, a global standard in responsible mining. This five-year process, starting in 2021, saw 35 companies commit to the standard. Canada, through 抖淫视频's Responsible Business Conduct Fund, helped adapt TSM protocols for Colombia and conducted workshops with companies on sustainability reporting. ACM's adoption of TSM standards has influenced the Colombian government's new mining legislation, which will be presented to Congress.

Canada participates in the Mining and Energy Committee, a non-profit organization that brings together private sector companies, academia, civil society, Colombian government entities, and accompanying embassies. In 2024, Canada hosted and facilitated two sessions on Responsible Business Conduct for the mining and energy sectors in Colombia.

Canada's international collaboration with Colombia

Canada is engaged in a range of multi-stakeholder initiatives to promote international standards, guidelines, and best practices with the objective of improving governance in resource-rich developing countries. Canada's approach aims to ensure women, girls, and traditionally marginalized groups can engage in decision-making on natural resources governance and overcome discrimination in the administration and distribution of benefits from natural resource development. Canada and Colombia actively collaborate on RBC through the following forums and mechanisms:

OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises on responsible business conduct and OECD working party on responsible business conduct

Canada and Colombia are adherents to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (the “Guidelines”). The Guidelines are comprehensive recommendations on responsible business conduct addressed by 52 adherent governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from their territories. Both Canada and Colombia engage on issues related to implementation of the Guidelines as members of the OECD Working Party on Responsible Business Conduct. Both countries also maintain National Contact Points (“NCPs”) to 1) promote awareness and uptake of the Guidelines; and 2) to help resolve disputes about observance of the Guidelines by multinational enterprises operating in or from their respective territories, see more information below.

The voluntary principles on security and human rights initiative (VPI)

A multi-stakeholder initiative that oversees the implementation of a set of principles designed to help governments, NGOs and companies in the businesses of extracting, harvesting, or developing natural resources or energy to anticipate and mitigate human rights risks related to the deployment of public and private security. Colombia and Canada have been members of the VPI since 2009. Colombia has established the Mining and Energy Committee on Security and Human Rights (CME) to help implement the Voluntary Principles. The CME serves as a multi-stakeholder forum for dialogue among companies, the Colombian government, foreign embassies, and civil society organizations regarding human rights concerns in both extractive and non-extractive industries. The aim of the initiative is to improve the operating environment for companies by influencing public policy, generating knowledge, improving tools and practices, and promoting human rights due diligence.

The extractive industries transparency initiative (EITI)

A multi-stakeholder initiative to support improved governance in resource-rich countries through the verification and full publication of company payments and government revenues from oil, gas, and mining. Canada strongly supports the EITI and its aim of strengthening governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.  Colombia has been part of the EITI since 2014. EITI implementation in Colombia has demonstrated the Colombian government's commitment to support public debate on extractive industry governance issues, as well as the development of policies related to extractive industries and public finance management. This is reflected, for example, in the use of EITI data by stakeholders from government, industry and civil society; the organization of EITI awareness-raising and dissemination activities; and the systematic disclosure of data relating to the oil sector, including the financial relationships of the national oil company. Colombia has also drafted legislation requiring systematic disclosure of information on the legal framework and exploration activities, including information on the beneficial owners of all Colombian companies.

Canada’s dispute resolutions mechanisms

Whether operating in Colombia or elsewhere abroad in other regions in the world, Canadian companies are subject to Canadian laws and regulations related to RBC issues such as corruption, transparency and forced labour. Should complaints arise related to the conduct of Canadian companies in Colombia, Canada provides for two non-judicial dispute resolution mechanisms: the National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct and the Canada Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise.

National Contact Point (NCP) for responsible business conduct: Canada maintains an NCP to facilitate the resolution of disputes concerning observance of the OECD Guidelines by multinational enterprises operating in or from Canada. Canada’s NCP did not handle any cases related to Colombia in the period between January 1 and December 31, 2024. As highlighted above, it is important to note that the Republic of Colombia also adheres to the OECD Guidelines and therefore maintains its own NCP to address issues concerning observance of the Guidelines by multinational enterprises operating in or from its territory.

The Canada Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) has a mandate to promote respect for human rights and responsible business conduct with Canadian companies working outside of Canada. The CORE has a complaint mechanism through which individuals, groups, communities and those that represent them can submit complaints about alleged human rights abuses arising from the operations of Canadian companies abroad in the mining, garment, and oil and gas sectors. The CORE may conduct fact-finding and report on the issues raised in these complaints. The CORE can also provide informal mediation services. Further information related to the CORE’s activities can be found on its .

5.2 Canada’s export controls review process

Canada has one of the strongest export control systems in the world and respect for human rights is enshrined in the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA). In Canada, all permit applications for controlled items are reviewed on a case-by-case basis under a robust risk assessment framework, including against Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) criteria, which are enshrined in the EIPA.

Under the EIPA, 抖淫视频 assesses export permit applications for controlled military, dual-use and strategic goods and technology against the ATT Article 7 assessment criteria to determine whether an export:

• would undermine peace and security, or
• could be used to commit or facilitate:
  • a serious violation of international humanitarian law;
  • a serious violation of international human rights law;
  • an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to terrorism to which Canada is a party,
  • an act constituting an offence under international conventions or protocols relating to transnational organized crime to which Canada is a party, or
  • serious acts of gender-based violence or serious acts of violence against women and children.

Under section 7.4 of the EIPA, the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall not issue an export permit in respect of arms, ammunition, implements or munitions of war if, after taking into account all relevant considerations, including available mitigating measures, he or she determines that there is a substantial risk that the export would result in any of the negative consequences referred to in the ATT assessment criteria. Therefore, no export permits for controlled military, dual-use and strategic items will be issued to Colombia if there is a substantial risk that the item could be used to commit or facilitate a serious human rights violation, serious acts of gender-based violence, or serious acts of violence against women and children.

The Andean Region Division (NLA) at 抖淫视频 contributes to the review of export control requests related to Colombia. These requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Embassy of Canada to Colombia’s trade and political sections and any other relevant divisions. In addition to the ATT assessment criteria, analysis includes several other considerations, such as the impacts on peace and security in Colombia.

For further information about Canada's export controls and data on Canadian exports of controlled military goods and technology to all destinations, including Colombia, please consult the Annual Report on Exports of Military Goods and Technology tabled annually in the Parliament of Canada, no later than May 31 of the subsequent calendar year. The last report, tabled May 31, 2024, covering the activities of 2023, is available here.

5.3 Human rights evaluation methodologies for key crown corporations: Export Development Canada, FinDev Canada and Canadian Commercial Corporation

Export Development Canada (EDC)

Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada's export credit agency, with a mandate to support and grow Canadian international trade. EDC fulfills its mandate via trade financing, insurance and investment products catered to Canadian exporters and international buyers of Canadian goods or services. To support Canadians doing business abroad, EDC has established a robust set of policies and review mechanisms to ensure transactions supported are reflective of Canadian values. The policies and mechanisms apply in all countries where EDC does business including Colombia. Specifically, EDC’s Human Rights Policy that provides the Crown corporation with principles and commitments that guide its human rights approach and internal decision-making process regarding the transactions it supports. This policy commits EDC to building and using its leverage to prevent and manage human rights impacts that EDC might be connected to through customer relationships, and to enable remedy when impacts occur. EDC has further developed a set of Principles on Leverage and Remedy document that outlines these commitments into practice across EDC's business.

has published all documents related to its Environmental, Social and Governance Policies on its website. Relevant documents include:

• Environmental and Social Risk Management Policy;
• Environmental and Social Risk Management Guidelines;
• Environmental and Social Review Directive;
• Human Rights Policy;
• Due Diligence Framework: Human Rights; and
• Principles on Leverage and Remedy.

FinDev Canada

FinDev Canada is Canada’s bilateral Development Finance Institution (DFI), supporting development through the private sector. It provides financing, investment, and blended finance solutions, as well as technical assistance and advisory, to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Paris Agreement commitments.

FinDev Canada’s Environmental & Social (E&S) Risk Policy sets out the corporation’s commitment to identify, assess, mitigate, monitor and manage the potential negative environmental or social impacts, including human rights, across its financing and investment activities. As part of this commitment, FinDev Canada requires its clients regardless of where in the world they are based to have appropriate management systems in place to address potential adverse environmental and social, including human rights impacts. This requirement also applies to its work in Colombia. This E&S Risk Policy is an integral part of the overarching policy framework at FinDev Canada and is complemented by the Development Impact Policy, the Gender Equality Policy, and the Climate Change Policy.

has published all documents related to its Environmental, Social and Governance Policies on its website. Relevant documents include:

• Environmental and Social (E&S) Risk Policy;
• Environmental and Social (E&S) Risk Policy Implementation Reports;
• Code of Conduct;
• Procurement policy;
• Transparency and Disclosure Policy 2023; and
• S-211 Report.

Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)

The Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) is a federal Crown corporation with a mandate to assist Canadian exporters sell goods and services abroad to foreign governments and to strengthen bilateral trade relationships between Canada and other nations. One way in which CCC fulfills this role is through government to government (“G2G”) contracting. Through G2G, CCC connects Canadian exporters with foreign government buyers and enters into commercial contracts in the name of the Government of Canada. This reduces the risks associated with international procurement for both the buyers and exporters as CCC takes on contractual matters, due diligence assessments, performance oversight and financial administration of the contract. Backing by the Government of Canada also provides added assurances and incentive for the foreign government buyer to procure from Canada and can create attractive conditions for an exporter’s project financing.

As a federal Crown corporation, CCC strives to operate in a manner consistent with the policies of the Government of Canada, including Canada’s international human rights principles. CCC is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights and assessing human rights impacts in line with The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the ATT. CCC’s responsible business conduct policies and practices set out its commitment to ensuring the Corporation and the exporters it works with operate in an environmentally, socially, and ethically responsible manner in Canada and abroad. The policies and practices apply in all countries where CCC does business including Colombia. In line with CCC’s Human Rights Policy, CCC seeks to identify, prevent and mitigate human rights impacts in its transactions by incorporating human rights into transactional due diligence and risk assessments. CCC also strives to promote best practices regarding human rights due diligence both with its exporters and with foreign government buyers.

has published its responsible business conduct and human rights policies and due diligence practices on its website including:

• CCC Human Rights Policy;
• CCC human rights due diligence instructions;
• CCC human rights due diligence guidelines – defence & security;
• CCC human rights due diligence exporter questions – defence & security;
• CCC human rights due diligence guidelines – infrastructure;
• CCC human rights due diligence exporter questions – infrastructure;
• CCC Code for Exporters; and
• CCC Responsible Business Conduct Framework.

6. The Canada-Colombia trade relationship

The Canada-Colombia trade relationship has strengthened under CCOFTA, which entered into force on August 15, 2011. From 2010, the year before the CCOFTA entered into force, to 2024, total bilateral trade between Canada and Colombia had increased by $1.1 billion or 82 per cent.

Figure 1: Bilateral trade between Canada and Colombia between 2010 and 2024, Millions

In 2024, total bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries was valued at $2.5 billion, a decline of 5.4 per cent from the $2.6 billion in 2023.

Canada’s imports from Colombia declined slightly in 2024 to $1.3 billion, down by 3 per cent from 2023. Canadian imports of mineral fuels and oils declined in value by 45 per cent from 2023 to 2024, primarily due to a decrease in petroleum oil imports. As the second largest imported good from Colombia, this decline had a limited impact on total imports, as the increase in imports of other goods offset this decline. Notably, imports of coffee and spices, the largest category of Colombian exports to Canada rose in 2024 to $1.1 billion.

Canada’s exports to Colombia also declined in 2024 to $1.1 billion, down from $1.2 billion in 2023. This was largely due to decline in exports of wheat. Although the actual quantity of wheat exported was higher than 2023, changing commodity prices had an impact. The price index of agriculture products declined 8.5 per cent from 2023 to 2024 according to the Bank of Canada.

7. Canada’s actions under the CCOFTA Implementation Act in 2024

The CCOFTA is consistent with Canada's aims to enhance its economic interests in Colombia and to deepen its engagement with Latin American countries. It provides greater stability and predictability for Canadian businesses. The CCOFTA also reduces trade barriers to improve Canada and Colombia's bilateral economic relationship and overall competitiveness by allowing both countries to increase their export potential and access new markets.

7.1 Overview of actions taken under the CCOFTA Implementation Act

A summary of actions taken under the Canada Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act between January 1 and December 31, 2024, are in Annex 3.

7.2 Tariff elimination schedule

Canada has completed the implementation of its tariff-elimination commitments under the CCOFTA. As of January 1, 2024, Canada reduced the tariff on refined sugar from $4.11/ton to $2.06/ton (compared to the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff, which is $30.86/ton). It was fully eliminated on January 1, 2025, completing Canada’s implementation of its tariff-elimination commitments. To date, it has not been possible to draw a link between tariff reductions made by Canada under CCOFTA and human rights abuses in Colombia.

8. Canada’s actions under the agreement on labour cooperation and environment agreement

To support Colombia with its efforts to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights, Canada leverages various aspects of its bilateral engagement and programming tools, including those found within the provisions of the Labour Cooperation Agreement and the Environment Agreement, as well as through special programming directly related to its free trade relationship with Colombia.

8.1 The agreement on labour cooperation

The Canada-Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation commits the parties to ensuring their laws not only respect the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998) but also provides acceptable protections for occupational health and safety, hours of work, wages and migrant workers. The CCOFTA also includes a principles-based labour chapter.

Specifically, the Labour Cooperation Agreement commits both countries to “promote compliance with and effectively enforce their domestic labour laws through appropriate government actions. These laws must embody the following internationally recognized labour principles and rights:”

• Freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining (including protection of the right to organize and the right to strike);
• the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour;
• the effective abolition of child labour;
• the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation;
• acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work and occupational health and safety; and
• providing migrant workers with the same legal protections as citizens in regard to working conditions.

Both parties also commit to the following:

• Ensure they do not waive or otherwise derogate from their labour laws in a manner that weakens or reduces adherence to the internationally recognized labour principles as an encouragement for trade or investment;
• Ensure that requests for labour inspections are given due consideration and that a person with a legally recognized interest has appropriate access to proceedings before a tribunal which can enforce national labour law;
• Make information publicly available in relation to their labour laws and enforcement and compliance procedures; and
• Encourage the use of voluntary best practices of responsible business conduct by enterprises.

The Agreement on Labour Cooperation contains institutional mechanisms to ensure its effective implementation. These include a dispute resolution process to ensure compliance with the possibility of up to $15 million in fines for non-compliance in any one year. All monetary assessments would be paid into a cooperation fund to be expended in the territory of the party complained-against in order to address labour issues. The Agreement on Labour Cooperation also provides for a Ministerial Council, comprised of Labour Ministers from both Canada and Colombia, that is required to meet within the first year after its entry into force and thereafter, as necessary, to oversee its implementation.

Actions taken under the Agreement on Labour Cooperation

Projects

The provisions of the Agreement on Labour Cooperation are complemented by concrete actions to address the labour situation in Colombia, notably through labour-related information sharing and technical assistance (TA). In 2024, a technical assistance project was in place to support the Ministry of Labour of Colombia’s efforts to pursue the implementation of commitments made under the Canada-Colombia Action Plan, which was signed in 2018. The project (2023-2025) aimed to strengthen the involvement of labour stakeholders towards the development and implementation of labour reform in Colombia. It also provided targeted training to labour and judiciary officials (see Annex 4 for additional information).  Since the coming into force of the Agreement on Labour Cooperation, the Government of Canada, through the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), has focused on capacity-building, carried out project monitoring missions, and sought other opportunities to foster relationships and encourage effective implementation of the labour obligations under the Agreement on Labour Cooperation. To date, the Labour Program of ESDC has funded labour-related TA projects in Colombia totaling approximately $2.9 million.

Bilateral dialogue

Since the entry into force of the Agreement on Labour Cooperation, the Canadian and Colombian Ministries of Labour have maintained close relations and ongoing discussions, both at the working and ministerial levels, to advance the bilateral dialogue on implementation of the Labour Agreement and issues of common interest, including monitoring and implementing the Action Plan.

Public communications

The Agreement on Labour Cooperation also allows for complaints, known as , to be raised by citizens, enterprises or organizations, when they believe certain obligations of the Agreement have not been met. The . There were no Public Communications received in 2024.

In 2024, the Government of Canada continued working with Colombian counterparts on the implementation of the Action Plan, including pursuing discussions and exchanging information on some key and concrete recommendations put forward by Canada as part of the Action Plan (See Annex 4 for examples). A was published in April 2024.

Moving forward

Labour Program officials will continue working actively with their Colombian counterparts on the implementation of the Action Plan to ensure progress is made by the Government of Colombia and guarantee the protection of fundamental labour rights.

8.2 The environment agreement

The Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Colombia (Environment Agreement), signed in parallel to the CCOFTA, reinforces the concept that free trade should not take place at the expense of the environment. The CCOFTA itself also includes an environment chapter and environment provisions. The Environment Agreement commits both countries to encouraging high levels of domestic environmental protection, to fostering good environmental governance, to continuing to develop and improve their environmental laws and policies, and to promoting transparency and public participation. It requires each country to:

• effectively enforce its domestic environmental laws through appropriate government actions;
• neither weaken nor reduce levels of protection afforded in its domestic environmental laws to encourage trade or investment;
• ensure proceedings are available to sanction or remedy violations of its environmental laws;
• ensure interested persons residing in, or established in its territory may request investigations of alleged violations of its environmental laws, and to give such requests due consideration, in accordance with its law;
• promote public awareness and transparency by ensuring information regarding environmental laws and policies is available to the public;
• ensure environmental impact assessment processes are in place;
• encourage the use of voluntary best practices of responsible business conduct by enterprises;
• promote the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity; and
• respect, preserve, and maintain traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous and local communities that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, subject to national legislation.

The Environment Agreement commits both countries to make every attempt, through consultations, exchange of information, and an emphasis on cooperation, to address any matter concerning the environment, which may arise between them. If the countries fail to resolve the matter, either of them may seek consultations at the ministerial level.

Actions taken under the Environment Agreement

Bilateral dialogue

Since the entry into force of the Environment Agreement in 2011, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development have maintained close relations and ongoing discussions to advance the implementation of the agreement and shared interests, such as their positions on climate and environmental issues ahead of multilateral forums.

For instance, in support of the Colombian presidency of COP16 to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Canada and Colombia, as respective hosts of COP15 in Montreal (December 2022) and COP16 in Cali (October and November 2024), held several meetings throughout 2024 to discuss their priorities and share lessons learned from Canada’s experience in hosting COP15.

Canada’s delegation to COP16 included senior officials from the Biodiversity and Canadian Wildlife Service branch of ECCC, as well as Senators. The Embassy of Canada in Colombia also accompanied. Senior officials of the Canadian delegation participated in several events and meetings with international organizations and civil society to discuss, among other things, the importance of inclusion, particularly of Indigenous people and afro descendant communities, in climate discussions and planning.

Moreover, the Environment Agreement provides a framework within which to address key environmental issues of joint interest via the creation of a Committee on the Environment. The committee, composed of senior officials from ECCC and Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, meets on an as-needed basis. Canada hosted the last meeting on March 21-22, 2024, in Gatineau, Quebec. At this meeting, Canadian and Colombian officials exchanged views on their respective climate and environmental priorities, reviewed the bilateral and regional initiatives carried out within the Environment Agreement’s framework, and began work on setting priorities for future cooperative activities. The discussions prioritized the following areas for cooperation: climate change mitigation and adaptation, water and waste management, and biodiversity conservation.

Projects

With the goal of promoting high levels of environmental protection, the Environment Agreement provides a framework within which to undertake environmental cooperation activities aimed at supporting its objectives and obligations, typically through technical exchanges and information sharing. Under the Environment Agreement, both countries have implemented projects of joint interest in the areas of climate change, clean hydrogen technologies, electrification of transportation, coal phase-out, carbon pricing, biodiversity conservation, migratory birds, plastic pollution, chemical management, and Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers, among others. 

Projects funded through climate and biodiversity finance

In 2024, Canada continued to implement its $5.3 billion climate financing commitment to help developing countries transition to sustainable, low-carbon, climate-resilient, nature-positive and inclusive development, focusing on mitigation and adaptation support to the poorest and most vulnerable populations impacted by climate change. Canada’s climate finance commitment also supports developing countries in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. This commitment builds on the success of Canada's previous $2.65 billion climate finance support, which was delivered through several multilateral and bilateral initiatives.

Canada is providing climate finance support to Colombia through several multilateral organizations, including its $450 million contribution to the second replenishment of the Green Climate Fund (GCF-2), and its $74 million contribution to the eighth replenishment of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which fund national projects in Colombia. For example, the GCF is providing targeted support to Colombia through an investment of US$38.5 million (with a total project value of US$117.2 million) in support of scaling up climate resilient water management practices in La Mojana, one of the poorest and most climate vulnerable regions in Colombia. Canada is also providing support to Colombia through its $2.2 million contribution to support the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), in Colombia, Haiti, Mexico, Peru and Senegal.

Moreover, ECCC is delivering a $4.5 million program (2022 to 2026) to strengthen and harmonize climate measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system capacity in the Pacific Alliance (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru) and Ecuador, for climate finance, mitigation action, and carbon pricing. Building on a previous $1.6 million investment, this project will enable Pacific Alliance member countries and Ecuador to make effective economy-wide decisions on climate actions, put a price on carbon, access international carbon markets, and mobilize public and private investments to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. It supports countries’ efforts toward becoming a more competitive and inclusive region and deepens our mutual commitment to inclusive trade (see Annex 5 for more project details).

Other projects being implemented under Canada’s Climate Finance Initiative include the following (see Annex 1 for more project details):

• $9.5 million project “Enhancing Indigenous People's Resilience to Climate Change in Colombia’s Amazon Rainforest” (2024-2028), implemented by the World Food Program;
• $12.5 million project “Building Climate Resilience from Indigenous Perspectives” (2024-2028), implemented by Save the Children Canada and The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru;
• $320,000 project “Indigenous Clean Energy Renewable Energy Microgrids” (2024-2025) implemented by Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise in Colombia (75%) and Ecuador;
• $5 million “Supporting the protection of marine biodiversity within the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean" project, implemented by WildAid (2024-2026); and
• $15 million “Conserva Aves” project (2024-2028) implemented by Birds Studies Canada eight latin american countries, including Colombia.

9. Consultations

In accordance with the tenets of open and accountable government, the Government of Canada has continued to consult broadly in the preparation of this report.

9.1 Public consultations

On February 17, 2025, the Government of Canada launched public consultations seeking written submissions in English, French or Spanish on the impact of actions taken under the for the Government of Canada’s 14th annual report. The public call for submissions was posted website and the website for a period of 4 weeks. The public consultation was also promoted using social media on the official Canada Trade channels [X (formerly Twitter), Facebook], as well as the official channels of the Embassy of Canada to Colombia (X, Facebook). Key stakeholders including civil society and private sector partners were also notified directly of the consultations by e-mail and invited to provide a submission. The Government of Canada received two submissions.

The first submission raised concerns over environmental protection, animal welfare and wildlife trafficking. The second submission raised concerns about high rates of child suicides linked to forced recruitment of children by armed groups, with suicide being used as desperate attempt to avoid joining the groups.

These submissions were examined within 抖淫视频 and the information was taken into consideration in the development of this report. The feedback on human rights issues will also inform Canada’s ongoing human rights-related engagement with Colombia going forward.

9.2 Consultations with provinces and territories

The Government of Canada consulted with provincial and territorial governments on whether any of their respective human rights commissions (or equivalent bodies) had raised or received any comments, questions or expressions of concern regarding any effects on human rights in Canada related to Canada's tariff reductions under the CCOFTA during the period January 1 to December 31, 2024. The Government of Canada received feedback from six provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec) indicating that none of their human rights commissions (or equivalent bodies) had raised or received any comments or expressions of concern. Since the entry into force of CCOFTA on August 15, 2011, no concerns have been registered via these mechanisms.

10. Conclusion

Canada’s 14^th annual report pursuant to the Agreement Concerning Annual Reports on Human Rights and Free Trade Between Canada and the Republic of Colombia reviewed the actions taken by the Government of Canada between January 1 and December 31, 2024, under the CCOFTA, the Agreement on Labour Cooperation and the Environment Agreement. It considered the impact of those actions on human rights in Canada and the Republic of Colombia. The report found no impacts on human rights that could directly be associated with Canada's 2024 tariff reductions. As has been the case in previous years, the 14^th annual report is unable to demonstrate that any actions taken by the Government of Canada in 2024 through the implementation of the CCOFTA and its related agreements have had a direct impact on human rights in Canada or Colombia.

Beyond statutory requirements, this report provides details of the work Canada is doing across many avenues to support human rights in Colombia. It also reviewed the different mechanisms that Canada uses to uphold its commitments under internationally recognized human rights guidelines and international treaties, including The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, to which Canada acceded through Bill C-47: An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code (2018).

The promotion and protection of human rights is a key pillar of Canadian foreign policy. Canada's international engagement is based on the principle that human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that all individuals shall have the equal protection of the law. This report joins a range of actions—including advocacy, bilateral and development cooperation—through which Canada supports Colombia's ongoing efforts towards greater peace, security, prosperity and respect for human rights.

Annexes

Annex 1: Canada's international assistance programming

Delivering rights for girls through improved comprehensive sexuality education (2018-2024)

Support provided: $10 million

The "Valiente" project, implemented by Profamilia, will reach 7,800 boys and girls aged 10 to 14 in 55 schools to increase their decision-making power and leadership to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, improve provision and access to rights-based and gender sensitive, youth friendly services, and promote positive transformations in attitudes and behaviours around gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. At least 240 government officials will improve their delivery capacity in sexual and reproductive health and rights with youth as well.

Renewed Women's Voice and Leadership – Colombia (2025-2030)

Support provided: $8.3 Million

This project is part of Canada's Women's Voice and Leadership Program, which supports local and regional women's organizations and networks that are working to promote women's rights, and advances women's empowerment and gender equality in developing countries. This is done by supporting their activities, building their institutional capacity, and promoting network and alliance-building as women's rights and feminist organizations are critical agents of change. The program also responds to the globally recognized, significant gap in funding and support to women's rights organizations and movements around the world. The renewed WVL project is implemented by Oxfam-Québec in rural conflict-affected regions of Colombia.

Budgeting for Equality: Alliance for public management planning with a gender perspective (2022-2024)

Support provided: $1.5 million

This initiative contributes to promoting women’s and girl's rights in Colombia and to close the gender gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, by supporting the systematic and sustainable integration of gender quality considerations into national and local planning and budgeting processes. It will help strengthen the capacity of women’s rights organizations to advocate for the inclusion of their recommendations in the new National Development Plan 2022-2026 and effectively monitor the gender budget tracker; include the gender budget tracker in the next National Development Plan and key policy instruments to account for the resources allocated by the state to guarantee women’s rights and gender equality; and pilot the gender budget tracker in selected municipalities.

Caring Societies: sharing care responsibilities to advance gender equality (2023-2028)

Support provided: $7,450,000

The initiative contributes to the building of local Comprehensive Care Systems in Colombia. It is focusing on (1) recognizing the value and unequal distribution of paid and unpaid care workload, to ignite interventions that address the existing injustice; (2) redistribution of care workloads, that depend on the central role of public institutions and the involvement of the private sector and families (especially men and boys) to change the unequal gender norms; and (3) to reduce the care workload for women and young women, especially those that belong to populations groups that are left behind.

Education for Venezuelan and host communities, girls, boys and adolescents in Colombia, Ecuador & Peru (Education Cannot Wait) (2022-2024)

Support provided: $9 million ($3,025,000 for Colombia)

This project supports an inclusive response to the Venezuelan refugee and migrant situation through tailored technical assistance to the governments of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

SCOPE: Sustainable opportunities for employment in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru (2022-2024)

Support provided: $6,000,000 ($2,091,655 for Colombia)

The SCOPE project increases the labour market participation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants and host communities and improves the broader ecosystem for inclusive employment.

ELLA: Empowerment, local leadership & accountability for Venezuelan & host community adolescent girls and young women (2022-2025)

Support provided: $13 million ($3,454,245 for Colombia)

This project enhances Sexual, Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women and girls from Venezuela and host community members in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Protection and socioeconomic inclusion for Venezuelan children and adolescents on the move (2022-2024)

Support provided: $5 million ($1.65 million for Colombia)

This project aims to increase protection of Venezuelan girls, boys and adolescents on the move through improving national protection mechanisms and increasing access to protection services.

Supporting OAS Member States’ Efforts to prevent, investigate and counter criminal activity linked to the exploitation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants (2022-2024)

Support provided: $1,999,265 ($333,211 for Colombia)

The project seeks to strengthen border management practices to increase the detection of irregular movements of goods and people, with a focus on human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

IDB Migration grant facility (2022-2024)

Support provided: $8 million ($2.24 million for Colombia)

This project aims to support governments and municipalities in the Latin America and Caribbean region hosting Venezuelan refugees and migrants, through technical assistance to enhance the socio-economic integration of this population into host communities. Individual projects currently under negotiation.

PRO-RIGHTS: Promoting the rights of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Latin America and the Caribbean (2022-2025)

Support provided: $ 4,982,215 ($2,188,215 for Colombia)

The PRO-RIGHTS project takes an intersectional approach to address the needs of the Venezuelan migrant and refugee populations. In Colombia, it strengthens the capacity of governments and civil society organizations to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, particularly of children in virtual settings and in trafficking contexts. At the regional level, it seeks to improve access to protection and support by Victims of Human Trafficking in countries hosting Venezuelan refugees and migrants and conducts prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse capacity assessments and mentorship to civil society organizations to prevent, mitigate the risks, and respond.

Rural entrepreneurship for women in agricultural rural development (2023-2027)

Support provided: $3.1 million

The project aims to improve the sustainable livelihoods and economic well-being especially for women entrepreneurs, their families and their communities in conflict-affected and poverty-stricken rural areas of Colombia. The project employs a in a two-pronged approach that combines Acumen’s expertise in investing in rural, post-conflict areas and in leadership development to increase the viability of rural businesses, enhance the effectiveness of financial investment instruments for rural businesses, and increase the decision-making capacity and influence of women entrepreneurs and social leaders in rural businesses and community-led organizations.

Catalyzing impact investment for development in rural Colombia (SI2 Investment Readiness Platform) (2022-2026)

Support provided: $4.1 million

The project seeks to establish an Investment Readiness Platform (“Colombia SI2”) within Colombia that will provide capital and capacity support for enterprises, cooperatives, organizations and funds seeking to start or scale their impact, with a particular focus on rural regions in Colombia and enterprises serving women. The proposed initiative would consolidate Colombia’s social impact investing ecosystem and act as a catalyzer for Colombia’s impact investing sector to advance toward maturity, while unlocking private capital for development goals.

DID – Credit to rural women and youth (2019 to 2025)

Support provided: $5 million

This project aims to improve economic opportunities and living conditions of over 90% of the targeted population and their communities in rural Colombia by increasing their access to credit and spurring a systemic shift in rural financing. The intermediate outcomes are: i) more efficient and improved management of financial mechanisms focused on rural women and youth; ii) more effective delivery of financial services to women and youth; and iii) improved business and wealth management by women and youth in rural areas.

Colombian cacao agropreneurs (2018 to 2025)

Support provided: $19.5 million

The project aims to create sustainable livelihoods by increasing the incomes of 5,000 smallholder cacao farming families by strengthening the management practices of these businesses and their associations/cooperatives and facilitating the emergence and consolidation of associative businesses that are innovative, clean, sustainable and inclusive. Co-financed with the private sector, it is the first in the Government of Canada to use the Outcome Achievement Payment funding model included in the 2017 Treasury Board Generic Terms and Conditions in support of innovation, according to which the implementer is only paid on results (rather than activities).

Countering disinformation within civic education in Colombia and Chile (2021-2024)

Support provided: $2 million ($1.8 million for Colombia)

This project works to strengthen the capacities of youth and teachers through civic education in Colombia and Chile, through the coordination of four programs: Voto Estudiantil (“Student Vote”), which is delivered in conjunction with government elections to provide students with a teachable moment; Marea Púrpura (“Purple Tide”), which aims to bridge the gap on gender equality by fostering the participation of young women (ages 14-18) in the public sphere; Liderab, a Youth Leadership Program that includes mentorships to support the political aspirations of young women; and CTRL-F, a digital literacy program to help youth recognize and combat disinformation.

Enhancing Indigenous People's Resilience to climate change in vulnerable areas of Colombia's Amazon rainforest (2024-2029)

Support provided: $9.5 million.

Implemented by the World Food Programme, this project is part of Canada's $5.3 billion international climate finance commitment and was selected as part of the approved 2023-24 Climate Finance Investment Plan. It supports climate adaptation as a key objective and aligns with the Nature-Based Climate Solutions and Biodiversity thematic focus area, contributing to the achievement of biodiversity co-benefits. The project will increase climate resilience and food security of Indigenous and rural communities, with a particular focus on women, girls and youth in the Colombian Amazonian region. The vulnerable communities living in the Colombian Amazon face significant food security and nutrition challenges exacerbated by a combination of factors and crises, including climate variability, environmental shocks, and deep-rooted structural conditions, such as poverty and inequality.

Indigenous clean energy renewable energy microgrids (2024-2026)

Support provided: $320,000 ($240,000 for Colombia)

Implemented by the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE), this project aims to deliver specialized renewable energy capacity-building to Indigenous Communities in Colombia and Ecuador to empower them to address their needs, drive sustainable change, and participate in the clean energy transition. It helps create the enabling conditions for adopting clean energy and energy-efficient solutions for Indigenous Peoples to actualize climate change mitigation.

Strengthening marine enforcement in the Eastern Tropical Pacific seascape (2024-2026)

Support provided: $5 million ($500,000 for Colombia)

Implemented by WildAid Inc., it aims to improve the protection and sustainable use of the marine natural resources to conserve the biodiversity of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean ecosystems by the Marine Law Enforcement (MLE) communities, the local communities, specifically women, IndigeNous Peoples, and Afro-descendants by strengthening the surveillance and control capacity of national marine authorities and by improving the sustainable use of marine natural resources by the coastal communities, especially women.

Conserva Aves (2024-2028)

Support provided: $15 million for eight countries in Latin America, including Colombia.

The project aims to increase the sustainable conservation of priority areas for birds by local communities. The project will support communities, specifically women, Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendant Peoples, to conserve sustainably and restore key ecosystems on which they depend. Protected areas are a proven nature-based solution for safeguarding biodiversity, building resilience to climate change, improving food and water security, and driving local economic success for surrounding communities. Implemented by Birds Studies Canada in tandem with American Bird Conservancy, BirdLife International, the Latin American and Caribbean Network of Environmental Funds (RedLAC by its acronym in Spanish), and National Audubon Society.

Building climate resilience from indigenous perspectives (2024-2028)

Support provided: $12.5 million for Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala and Peru.

Implemented by Save the Children Canada and The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, this project aims to improve climate resilience of Indigenous Peoples in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru, through the affirmation of Indigenous Rights and the exercise of self-determination and reaching an estimated 5,000 people. It will seek three intermediate outcomes: (1) Increased adoption of self-determined, gender responsive and inclusive Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by Indigenous communities and organizations, particularly women and youth, for climate change adaptation with biodiversity co-benefits; (2) Strengthened climate governance within diverse Indigenous communities, organizations, local and regional networks for Indigenous-Rights-affirming nature-positive climate adaptation; and (3) Increased joint-action and knowledge-sharing between North/South sub-grantees and their communities to promote gender responsive, Indigenous-rights affirming NbS.

Annex 2: Canada's merchandise Trade with Colombia, 2001-2024, millions

Source: Statistics Canada

Annex 3: Actions taken by Canada under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Implementation Act

Annex 4: Activities under the Canada-Colombia Labour Cooperation Agreement

This section includes a cooperation project undertaken by Canada with Colombia, which was being implemented during the reporting period.

Supporting the involvement of labour stakeholders in Colombia’s labour reform process (2023-2025)

Support provided: $635,000

Implemented by the International Labour Organization, this project aims to support the Government of Colombia’s efforts to promote increased participation in the formulation of public policies and the drafting of proposed bills aimed at reforming Colombia's labour laws. This project involves trade unions and other labour stakeholders and civil society organizations, including those representing vulnerable groups, Indigenous communities, and women. Additionally, it closely monitors the ongoing legislative deliberations, among other responsibilities. The project also aims to enhance the abilities of labour inspectors, judges, and judicial officials to enforce workers’ rights effectively during and after the implementation of the reform.

Annex 5: Activities under the Canada-Colombia Agreement on the Environment

This section includes a selection of environmental cooperation activities undertaken by Canada with Colombia.

Bilateral support for implementation and achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Pacific Alliance (2022-2026)

Support provided: $4.5 million

Canada provides support for the implementation and achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the Pacific Alliance through strengthening and harmonizing measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) systems. Following the June 2017 in which the Pacific Alliance reaffirmed its support for the Paris Agreement and commitment to intensify efforts to strengthen MRV systems of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and Short-Lives Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in the region, Canada announced $1.6 million in 2017 to increase domestic capacity to harmonize and improve the effectiveness of their national climate MRV systems. Additional funding of $1.9 million was invested in 2019 to support South-South cooperation on MRV within and between the Pacific Alliance and West Africa.

Supported by Canada, the Technical Sub-group on MRV and Climate Change (SGT-MRV) was created by the countries of the Pacific Alliance with the principal objective to enable the exchange of knowledge at the regional level in order to strengthen and advance the harmonization and alignment of Climate MRV systems for the reduction of GHG and SLCPs and to strengthen capacity at the national level in order to advance the creation and implementation of effective climate policies. Building on this past success, Canada announced a $4.5 million investment from 2022 to 2026, to strengthen MRV system capacity in the Pacific Alliance and Ecuador for carbon pricing, MRV of mitigation action, and MRV of climate finance. This project aims at accelerating climate mitigation strategies to implement NDCs, increase credibility by ensuring transparency, accuracy, and comparability of information, and mobilize investments necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Annex 6: Public consultations

Share your views: Call for submissions on Canada’s Annual Report on Human Rights and Free Trade Between Canada and the Republic of Colombia

Current status: Closed

This consultation ran from February 17, 2025 to March 16, 2025. 

The Government of Canada is seeking the input of interested stakeholders regarding the .

This unique agreement requires that Canada and Colombia each draft an annual report for tabling in their respective legislatures on the impacts on human rights in Canada and Colombia of actions taken under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Purpose of consultation

Interested stakeholders are invited to provide written submissions on the impact of actions taken under the for the Government of Canada’s 14th annual report. The 14th annual report will cover the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

Who is the focus of this consultation?

This consultation is open to the public and everyone is invited to share their ideas.

The Government of Canada invites any stakeholder with an interest in the impact on human rights in Canada and Colombia of actions taken by the Government of Canada under the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement to provide input.

抖淫视频 would like to hear from:

• the general public;
• civil society organizations;
• academia;
• Indigenous groups;
• national and provincial industry associations;
• micro, small, medium and large enterprises;
• national, provincial, territorial and regional associations; and
• other interested stakeholders.

It is important to have a breadth and diversity of views represented through this consultation process.

For reasons of confidentiality and security, the submissions and names of contributors to this consultation process will not be released to the public by the Government of Canada.

Join in: How to participate

Submissions must be sent by Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Send us an email

Submissions can be sent by e-mail, with the subject “Public Call for Submissions - Annual Report on Human Rights and Free Trade between Canada and the Republic of Colombia”, to: NLA@international.gc.ca

Participate by mail

Send a letter with your ideas an input to the address in the below.

Privacy notice

Please read the carefully prior to sending a written submission.

Background information

The Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) also includes the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, and the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, under its parameters. These agreements entered into force on August 15, 2011. All of Canada’s previous annual reports on Human Rights and Free Trade are available online: Annual report on Human Rights and Free Trade between Canada and the Republic of Colombia.

Contact us

Andean Region Division
抖淫视频
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa ON K1A 0G2
NLA@international.gc.ca