In 2021, UNHCR and partners provided individual support to 5,458 people of concern survivors/at risk of gender-based violence, which included identification, provision of legal, psychological, and social services as well as access to safe shelter (3,907 Venezuelans, 1,551 Colombians). Additionally, 1,026 gender-based violence survivors/at risk of gender-based violence received multipurpose cash assistance as a protection measure to support them in the wider context of case management activities. UNHCR and HIAS also improved the registration of gender-based violence survivors/at risk in ProGres v4, with 714 individuals registered (552 Venezuelans, 156 Colombians and 6 other nationalities).
Moreover, UNHCR and partners trained 6,851 people (6,742 Venezuelans 109 Colombians) on gender-based violence prevention, risk mitigation and response, including partner, government, community organizations and UNHCR staff. Trainings included topics related to awareness of Gender and Diversities, Gender Equality, prevention, and response to gender-based violence, case management and response to gender-based violence survivors, protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and other related topics.
On the other hand, UNHCR and partners supported 337 community groups working on GBV prevention and response (180 Venezuelan, 157 Colombia). These groups included community organizations working with sex workers, community defenders, LGBTIQ+, youth and women´s networks. These groups produced Communication with Communities products, like short films, videos, and digital content for social media illustrating the impact of gender-based violence. Furthermore, more than 250 community leaders have also been trained on the legal response to gender-based violence.
As an effort to provide safe spaces and shelter, UNHCR supported 8 safe shelters and 2 community safe spaces for gender-based violence survivors with technical and financial assistance. This support included the improvement of infrastructure and provision of equipment to promote safe and biosafe conditions to ensure dignified and timely services to people of concern. In 2021, 400 gender-based violence cases were reported and referred to safe shelters (133 Venezuelan, 267 Colombian).
Also, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, UNHCR donated 492 pediatric PEP Kits to be distributed nationally to health centres for gender-based violence survivors. This distribution was done to expand 134 health centres, providing gender-based violence services in 24 provinces. In developing Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) capacities, UNHCR trained 15 PEAS Focal Points from Field Offices/Units on the IASC PEAS learning package. The three-day workshop provided participants with knowledge and tools to raise awareness and ensure local capacities to respond to reports of Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment.
To evaluate the impact of digital gender violence on the population of concern, UNHCR, with the technical collaboration of the organization Taller Comunicación Mujer (TCM), developed the first analysis in Ecuador to assess the impact of digital gender violence on the refugee and migrant population, mainly women and LGBTIQ+ population. This document had national significance and is a reference document for the Human Rights Secretariat, which published it as part of its official bibliography. Subsequently, the authorities trained 25 coordinators and directors at the national level.
Furthermore, UNHCR maintained alliances with LGBTIQ+ organizations, through technical and financial support. 1,548 LGBTIQ+ people of concern were assisted (1,436 Venezuelan, 110 Colombian, 17 other nationalities) through a wide range of services. In addition, partner CARE ensured community gender-based violence prevention activities, covering 304 persons of concern. Finally, 4 LGBTIQ+ networks have been strengthened through technical and financial assistance.