Publication

This paper examines the effectiveness of protection agendas promoted by humanitarian organizations in Colombia. The author argues that protection should primarily be locally oriented and focused on small, but achievable goals. If humanitarian organizations push protection agendas too forcefully, especially at the national level, they risk rupturing ties with the state and consequently their ability to provide aid. The paper contextualizes humanitarian organizations' protection agendas within Colombian society and history, reviews relevant legislation and seeks to define appropriate protection agendas for humanitarian organizations in Colombia.