Implementation of the humanitarian-development nexus in Colombia, in response to the migration flows from Venezuela: strenghts, shortcomings, and necessary adjustments

Abstract

Since the 1980s, practitioners, theorists and donors of humanitarian and development aid have discussed what is the best way to address the gap between the two assistance modalities and help communities meet their short- and long-term needs. Since 2015, the United Nations has taken the lead in promoting the humanitarian-development nexus (HDN) as the best approach. Considering the massive influx of refugees and migrants into Colombia since 2015 as a result of the economic, political and social crisis in Venezuela, this research aimed to establish if the HDN is implemented in Colombia in response to the Venezuelan migration crisis and to what extent. Findings of 34 interviews with staff of NGOs, consultants, academics, and public officials shed light on the enablers and barriers for the HDN, the power dynamics between the actors involved in the response, and the necessary actions to promote the effective implementation of the nexus.