Between 2010 and 2011, the Colombian Red Cross Society and IFRC Disaster Law collaborated on a study assessing Colombia's legal preparedness to receive international assistance. The study, which used the IDRL Guidelines as a benchmark, involved a review of applicable national legislation as well as a consultation process with a multitude of governmental offices, civil society organizations and international partners. The study was published in 2012; a summary is available in English and Spanish.
In 2015, the Colombian National Unit for Disaster Management adopted a resolution creating a National Technical Advisory Commission for the Management of International Cooperation in Disasters. The adoption of the resolution was a result of advocacy efforts of the Colombian Red Cross, with support from IFRC Disaster Law.
The new Commission is a ‘one-stop shop’, meaning that it is a specialised unit which consolidates and expedites the administrative arrangements for the entry of international personnel, goods and equipment during a major disaster response operation. The creation of a one-stop-shop is consistent with the recommendations of the IDRL Guidelines, which were referenced in the preamble to the resolution.
In 2021, based on the IFRC Guide to Strengthening the Auxiliary Role through Law and Policy, Colombian Red Cross revised how the auxiliary role of the National Society is recognized in sectoral laws, policies plans and agreements. It also reviewed legal facilities, enabling them to conduct their operations more efficiently and effectively. The report’s findings and recommendations, as well as next steps, suggested that an advocacy strategy and roadmap should be developed, focusing on strengthening volunteers' conditions and legislative advocacy capacities.
IFRC Disaster Law in Colombia, has also worked with external partners, such the Colombian National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres, UNGRD), facilitating sessions about disaster law at the Regional Forum for the exchange of instruments and experiences of the International Cooperation in Disaster Response.
