ROOTED IN TRUST
On the move during the COVID-19 pandemic Information, trust and influence among Venezuelans in Nariño, Colombia
AN INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT BY INTERNEWS COLOMBIA - FEBRUARY, 2021 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
he Information Ecosystem demand and supply within migrant Analysis (IEA) aims to capture communities in Sections 3 and 4. This and study the information report analyzes their information access, environment in Nariño, Colombia needs, use, flows, and identifies means of duringT the COVID-19 pandemic. The main trust and influence within the communi- objective of the report is to establish an ties of Tumaco and Ipiales. understanding of information dynamics in the context of Venezuelan refugee and Following this research, the fifth section migrant populations in the Colombia- of this report examines the dynamics Ecuador border region, taking a specific between the information supply and the look at the LGBTQI+ migrant community. needs of the community, and the effects these have on trust and behavior. The Through a combination of key informant sixth and final section outlines the hu- interviews, surveys, extensive desk re- manitarian response in Nariño during the All pictures illustrating this report are the work of search, and COVID-19-safe focus and pandemic and the challenges faced in documentary photographer and journalist Gerald listening groups, carried out by our part- getting accurate and relevant information Bermúdez. As part of the Rooted in Trust project, Internews provided grant funding to support ners, Caribe Afirmativo and Fedemedios, to the communities, especially groups in Gerald ‘s work to document migration on the this IEA explores trends of information Colombia-Ecuador border. vulnerable situations in Nariño.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 2 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3. The Foundation for Press Freedom
KEY FINDINGS (FLIP) is currently carrying out an INFORMATION SUPPLY online survey for journalists working Two-way dialogues 1. Information providers have not in border regions in Colombia and the and coordination sufficiently catered to the needs of inherent obstacles and dangers they refugees and migrants in the region, are confronted with amid COVID-19. between the migrant especially those in more vulnerable Identifying important physical risks situations such as LGBTQI+ refugees around safety and well-being during community and host and migrants and those with irregular a pandemic, needs to be guaranteed society don’t exist migrant status. Community leaders for so that journalists can carry out their Venezuelan associations have not been work accordingly as well as making directly involved into the reproduction available information relevant to those of media content but play a significant journalists working in Nariño. broadcasters. Without participation in role in the production and distribution of these programs, the unique informa- information for communities. 4. Two-way dialogues and coordination tion needs of refugees and migrants between the migrant community and during COVID-19 are not being met 2. Journalists and media platforms lack host society do not exist. The migrant through such channels. specific information on refugee and migrant and refugee community has very low rights, with information gaps on immigration interaction with the host society which 6. Political parties strongly dominate the status and legal rights. In addition, lack indicates exclusion and marginalization media sector and decide what topics of financing of media platforms and of the migrant community. receive more coverage than others. organizations results in the delay of Alternative media outlets usually bridge information dissemination and does not 5. Refugees and migrants are active gaps in information needs, catering to ensure that the community has timely community radio listeners but struggle smaller population groups and more access to important legal information. to participate in program creation with localized interests and knowledge.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 3 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INFORMATION for these vulnerable groups. Other NEEDS AND GAPS reasons include institutional violence and impunity that build a lack of trust in 1. Migration dynamics: Tumaco and Ipiales the justice system and the authorities are both transit hubs and destinations as well as local media that reports on it. for refugees and migrants, people in transit and those who have the intention 3. Similar to the broader migrant to stay. Amid COVID-19, limited mobility community, the LGBTQI+ migrant has converted both cities into stationary community faces significant points for these communities. There information gaps related to are significant gaps of information prevention, about COVID-19, its prevention and treatment, signs treatment, and health rights. Refugees and symptoms and migrants with irregular status of COVID-19. expressed concerns about their eligibility In addition to access medical services. to not feeling sufficiently 2. High trust is registered in interna- informed, the fear tional humanitarian support, friends of stigmatization and family, international media and and denial of community health workers. Low trust medical support is registered in national and local gov- has led LGBTQI+ ernment entities which can be traced individuals to back to inconsistent messages on the delay pursuit of political stage and the lack of solutions medical
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 4 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
treatment, putting them at even greater HUMANITARIAN risk of being infected or suffering more COVID-19 RESPONSE severe symptoms. The double stigma 1. Humanitarian organizations do not of being both LGBTQI+ and a migrant maintain strong ties with community discourages and diminishes their access to information, further marginalizing the media platforms amid COVID-19 community. which indicates a gap of information flows between stakeholders. 4. Information regarding employment, education, access to humanitarian 2. Migrant and refugee leaders aid and local news is necessary for have limited trust towards official many refugees and migrants living government bodies and more trust in in precarious economic situations but humanitarian organizations. in general, these were areas in which participants did not feel well informed. 3. Members of the LGBTQI+ commu- nity expressed the need for a human- 5. There is a wide variety of information itarian approach that specifically fo- channels used by the migrant and cuses on the vulnerabilities and needs refugee community, including messag- of the LGBTQI+ community during the ing apps such as WhatsApp and Viber, pandemic. The present lack of knowl- social media platforms, Youtube and edge about these issues can further community radio stations. invisibilize their struggles.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 5 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Information should be COVID-19 in Nariño, strengthening the RECOMMENDATIONS presented in accessible relationship between the host society Findings in this case study has led to three formats and languages and and the migrant communities would main categories of recommendations: help to dismantle prejudices and adapted to literacy levels decrease the potentially dangerous COMMUNITY within different migrant stigma that refugees and migrants PARTICIPATION AND face. Including refugees and migrants in ENGAGEMENT groups. local decision-making processes, such as local community group meetings, n Two-way communication mechanisms can bridge the gap between these two are necessary to ensure the communica- communities. tion of information about COVID-19 be- n Information should be presented in tween humanitarian organizations and accessible formats and languages and n Create media and information litera- communities in Nariño. These mecha- adapted to literacy levels within different cy programs for humanitarian organi- nisms must include ways of listening migrant groups. Especially considering zations to improve rumor management to concerns, feedback, myths, and the varying degrees of connectedness, on the information sharing platforms rumors about COVID-19 from the mi- refugees and migrants find themselves in, used by communities in vulnerable situa- grant community. Nariño is not only information should be distributed taking tions through trainings on digital inclusion a point of transit but a point of arrival into account areas with less access to and workshops focusing on rumor for a growing number of refugees and internet, in rural and remote parts of tracking mechanisms by Venezuelan migrants. Humanitarian organizations Nariño, with high instances of COVID-19 social media monitors. These programs can engage with the refugee and migrant and other safety issues. should provide skillful approaches for communities at migration offices or hu- sharing relevant information with vul- manitarian shelters as strategic points to n With rampant rumors on the rise around nerable groups and tackling stigma in a disseminate information. Venezuelan refugees and migrants and localized context.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 6 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ACCESS TO the migrant community. are trusted, such a social media platforms INFORMATION, and influencers. Provide tailored health COMMUNICATION n Bridge the gap between host society information such as links between PLATFORMS AND MEDIA and refugee and migrant society by COVID-19 and co-morbidities, such as n Improve information dissemination offering local journalists’ trainings and HIV/AIDs and hormone treatment. by increasing platform availability and tools to combat xenophobia and spread engagement through work with ex- awareness about refugee and migrant n Humanitarian organizations should isting platforms and trusted organi- lives. Emphasize the necessity to focus on information and engagement zations. InfoPa’lante, for example, is an document the situations of refugees and campaigns regarding alternative sani- migrants responsibly to avoid further International Rescue Committee (IRC) tary measures and safety protocols reenforcing prejudice and xenophobia information project for displaced popu- such as where refugees and migrants can and educate journalists on ways to report lations and refugees in several regions access clean water during the pandemic about refugees and migrants that shed of the country, launched in September and where and when gels and masks 2020. Estoy en la Frontera is a local dig- insight into human situations of mobility are being distributed by humanitarian ital platform in Norte de Santander to amid COVID-19. organizations when social distancing is ensure migrants, refugees and returnees not possible. have information and support. n Identify LGBTQI+ media platforms to reinforce the messages on health n n Partner with radio stations that are communication and health services. Build stronger linkages with local popular among refugees and migrants Health providers and organizations respected CSOs when communicating to open up radio space for Venezuelan should partner with LGBTQI+ to LGBTQI+ refugees and migrants, refugees and migrants to participate community-based organizations and as they offer help and support (in its in designing, writing and broadcasting LGBTQI+ community leaders to get majority humanitarian) as LGBTQI+ com- radio programs about topics important to messaging out through channels that munities do not feel safe otherwise.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 7 NARIÑO COLOMBIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Partnering with organizations that represent the LGBTQI+ community can help humanitarian organizations disseminate information through trusted information channels. n Create and disseminate a public database or website where refugee and migrant communities can find all and prominent Youtube influencers as here to fill information gaps related the services, assistance and advice well as social media platforms. to shelters, health rights and legal provided by humanitarian actors in Nariño consultations. Messaging should also be to facilitate refugee and migrant access HUMANITARIAN constantly adapted to the dynamic and and awareness of the resources available SERVICE PROVISION fast-changing contexts of migration for to the community. n Despite aiming for health equity, many diverse groups. information gaps remain when it comes to n Provide tailored information for LGBTQI+ access to medical services for refugees and n Humanitarian organizations should im- refugees and migrants. Humanitarian migrants. Integrating community needs plement initiatives to promote LGBTQI+ organizations should work together with and voices into decision-making as inclusive education and representation, CSOs, such as Caribe Afirmativo, Casa well as direct field research such as this in order to equip local actors with ways del Migrante and Fundacion ArcoIris, for report, can help distribute resources and to respond sensitively and appropriate- guidance on how to offer consultation to information more adequately among the ly to instances of discrimination and in- the LGBTQI+ community. Partnering with refugee and migrant population. corporate inclusive and anti-homopho- organizations that represent the LGBTQI+ bic/transphobic practices into their community can help humanitarian orga- n Humanitarian organizations require work. These trainings should be directed nizations disseminate information through better communication strategies at strat- towards government officials, healthcare the trusted information channels and egic points of entry for the extra-regional workers, humanitarian stakeholders, law social media used by these communities refugees and migrants on their way to the enforcement, teachers, and workers across thereby reaching a wider more inclusive United States or other countries. Since trades. Education about what it means to audience. It is indispensable to work refugees and migrants must pass through be transgender is particularly important, as with trusted information providers, these entry points, posters and pamphlets the concept of gender identity is not well trusted organizations in the regions can be distributed to people on the move known to the general public. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 8 NARIÑO COLOMBIA INDEX
LIST OF ACRONYMS 10 4.2 Access - channels and sources 34 6.4 Rumor Tracking and Community 4.3 Main determinants and barriers to Feedback Mechanisms 56 I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY accessing information 36 11 6.5 Identified gaps in information II. COUNTRY PROFILE 16 4.4 Focus on vulnerable Groups 39 needs and programming 57
III. INFORMATION SUPPLY - INFORMATION V. INFORMATION DYNAMICS 41 VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PROVIDERS LANDSCAPE REVIEW 18 5.1 Trust 41 – TOWARDS A HEALTHIER INFORMATION 3.1 Media Providers 18 5.2 Transmission 44 ECOSYSTEM 59 3.2 Digital Media Landscape 21 5.3 Influence 45 7.1 Key findings on the information 3.3 Media and Journalist Associations 5.4 Impact on Knowledge, Attitudes, landscape and communities’ and Regulators 24 and Practices 46 information practices 59 3.4 Local Relevance of Information 25 7. 2 Key findings on Humanitarian VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND 3.5 Media capacity and information Response and information dynamics 63 quality 27 INFORMATION 48 7.3 Summary of Recommendations 65 3.6 COVID 19 Information 6.1 National COVID-19 Response Plan 48 Coordination mechanisms 28 6.2 Humanitarian actors active on COVID response 50 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS 68 IV. INFORMATION DEMAND 31 6.3 Risk Communication and 4.1 Information Needs and Gaps 31 community engagement 52 ANNEXES 69
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 9 NARIÑO COLOMBIA LIST OF ACRONYMS n AAP n FLIP n IOM n UNICEF Accountability to Affected Foundation for Press Freedom International Organization for United Nations Children Fund Populations Migration n FNPI n WHO World n ACPES Iberoamerican Foundation for n MoPH World Health Organization Southern Journalists’ Association New Journalism Ministry of Public Health n WFP n n The World Food Program ANP n GIMMF NGO Nariño Association of Journalists Inter-Agency Mixed Migration Non-Governmental Organization n COVID Flows Group n NRC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Norwegian Refugee Council n HTC n CONPES Humanitarian Team Colombia n RICAA National Council for Economic Rapid Information, n IATF and Social Policy Communication and Inter-Agency Task Force Accountability Assessment n CSO n Civil Society Organizations IACHR n R4V Inter-American Commission on Migrants from Venezuela n CwC Human Rights Communicating with n SIC Communities n IDP Superintendence of Industry and Internally Displaced People Commerce n DOH Department of Health n IFRC n EPTV International Federation of the Temporary Protected Statute for n FARC Red Cross and Red Crescent Venezuelan Migrants Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia Societies n PEP n Special Permit to Stay n FECOLPER LGBTQI+ Colombian Federation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, n UN Journalists Queer, and Intersex United Nations n FEDEMEDIOS n OHCHR n UNHCR Federation of Community Media Office of the High Commissioner United Nations High in Colombia for Human Rights Commissioner for Refugees
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 10 NARIÑO COLOMBIA I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY LEGEND Adressed Partially adressed 1.1. RESEARCH SCOPE AND MAIN ‘BUILDING BLOCKS’ OF THE IEA Not adressed in this IEA GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC COVERAGE
Targeted Entire population: Focus on specific Full country: geographic area: Venezuelan refugees population groups: Colombia Nariño and migrants LGBTQI+ refugee and IEA migrant community RESEARCH THEMATIC SCOPE
This Information Information supply Information demand Ecosystem Assessment documents how Information providers information around the dynamics and interactions Information needs and gaps COVID-19 pandemic is National media produced, consumed, and shared in the Nariño Trust (trusted channels, Digital media and platforms key drivers of trust) region of Colombia, Preferred channels and sources specifically Tumaco and Ipiales. It looks at Community media Sharing and gatekeeping how Venezuelan refugee and migrant communities Non media Barriers to information and LGBTQI+ refugee information providers Influence and impact of information access and migrant communities across the region relate Linkages between different actors of the Environment Information needs by to the information information ecosystem environment. It builds (economic, Media capacity and humanitarians and other political and quality assessment stakeolders on extensive interviews, regulatory) focus group discussions with members of the community and information practitioners, RESEARCH METHODOLOGY and quantitative surveys Interviews with Listening Quantitative Research led by the Continuous Results with complementary Desk research key Informants groups / focus survey community (research feedback by dissemnination geographic scopes. (information and community groups in the (sample > assistants from the panels of experts and feedback supply) members community 100) community) and community from communities
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 11 NARIÑO COLOMBIA I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
1.2 PHILOSOPHY AND information through the channels, search design -- We seek to develop platforms, formats or people that they a holistic understanding of people’s METHODOLOGICAL prefer and trust. information practices. We understand PRINCIPLES demand and supply in a broad sense, he people we seek to reach often Our IEA research is based on four key not narrowly focused on media outlets live in diverse, noisy, risky and principles: or traditional media actors. Our scope confusing news and information of analysis is defined by how people environments that present them 1- Putting the community at the core actually access and consume information Twith challenges - as well as choices - as of the research -- Internews seeks and not by pre-defined categories. We to what information they access, what to be at the core of the communities it strive to understand both which practices they trust and what they share and act serves. For our IEAs, we endeavor to are broadly shared and what are the upon. Internews undertakes Information have the community itself do a large specific needs and behaviors of groups, Ecosystem Assessments (IEA) to part of the research: we hire researchers especially the most vulnerable ones. better understand unique and localized and enumerators from the community information needs, gaps, sources and and we rely on community members to 3- Marrying qualitative and quantita- patterns of access and use. Information disseminate results and gather feedback. tive data -- We seek to combine different Ecosystem Assessments offer us an When context truly limits our ability to do types of data to best understand both analytical framework to capture all so (as during the COVID pandemic) we the supply and demand of information dimensions of the relationship between strive to design multiple ways to gather and how the two interact to produce a information consumers and information feedback from community members dynamic ecosystem. We go beyond tra- supply. Gaining precise high-quality and representatives as a second best ditional mapping and audience surveys. insights into these interactions allows alternative. Our IEAs rely heavily on a qualitative us to design truly unique projects that approach: understanding information meet people where they are to deliver 2- Following a human-centered re- practices requires getting up close
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 12 NARIÑO COLOMBIA I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
and personal to people to figure out the best ways to reach them with good in- formation.
4- Integrating research and action –- We do not see Information Ecosystem Assessments as an “end product”. They are most often the first stage of our project design, providing invaluable In the constant quest of human beings to connect with context and a way to build a trusting relationship with the community we information, the ways in which they consume, produce, hope to work with. They are always contribute to, interact with and behave around their connected to recommended actions, information supply are what makes information ecosystems whether our own, those undertaken by the communities or by our partners dynamic, diverse and sometimes quirky and unpredictable. and other key stakeholders in the ecosystem. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 13 NARIÑO COLOMBIA I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
1.3 LIST OF KEY INFORMANTS
Informants Collection tool Sample Specifics
Community members Interviews 6 from Tumaco and Ipiales Source: Internews 2020 Focus 1.4 LIMITATIONS Groups 3 Migrants and Refugees Individuals and TO THE RESEARCH Communities Survey 221 Random sampling surveys he pandemic has significantly impact- in Tumaco and Ipiales ed the way in which communication and research has been conducted in Listening 9 Community members Groups in Tumaco and Ipiales Tumaco and Ipiales. While direct com- Tmunication to several humanitarian organiza- Informal Representatives Interviews 4 CSOs tions has proven very slow, firsthand information & Leaders has been easy to access from community me- dia outlets, national media and from community Government members themselves. Surveys carried out by Interviews 1 Secretary of Regional Government, Pasto Authorities partner organizations have exceeded any num- ber of surveys carried out with refugees and Representatives from: migrants and LGBTQI+ refugees and migrants n President of FECOLPER in Nariño ever before. Due to travel limitations, n Independent Journalist specialized Interviews 4 on Migration Issues direct and on-site communication in Tumaco Media n Director of the Journalist School of Tumaco and Ipiales was not possible. The research fo- n Director of the Association for Border Journalism Ipiales cuses on refugees and migrants1 from Venezue- la and does not include extra-regional refugees 2 Focus 1 Stereo Tumaco and migrants as a target group, as time did not Group allow the inclusion these groups into the field International research. In addition, the research was conduct- Agencies and International Organization for Migration (IOM), ed while close to 1 million Venezuelan refugees Humanitarian Interviews 3 Caritas Germany, Jesuit Refugee Service Actors and migrants were living in the country undoc- umented. On February 8 2021, President
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 14 NARIÑO COLOMBIA I. RESEARCH SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY
Ivan Duque announced that the country ground. The findings can therefore only be 1A migrant refers to “any person who is outside a State of which they are citizen or a national, or, in would grant temporary protection status to considered as indicative; it is recommended the case of a stateless person, their State of birth or undocumented people granting a 10-year not to make interference with the data. habitual residence.” Migrant is without prejudice to the protection status after which they can apply protection regimes that exist under international law for specific legal categories of people, such as refugees, for a residence visa. Under the new status, n Also, network mapping conducted in the stateless persons, trafficked persons and migrant refugees and migrants will receive basic ser- frame of this evaluation is a pilot test with a lim- workers. Refugee is strictly defined in international law as a person who is fleeing persecution or conflict in vices, such as access to national health sys- ited number of responses and shall therefore her or his country of origin. Refugees are entitled to tem and COVID-19 vaccination. be considered just a first step to be further de- full protection of refugee law, including protection from expulsion or return to situations of persecution where veloped within the future ongoing IEA efforts. their life and freedom are at risk. Migrants in vulnerable Other challenges of this research included: situations as a concept has emerged to address the human rights situation of those migrants who do not n Quantitative surveys included refugees and qualify as refugees, but who are nevertheless in specific n Time frame limitations: the report has been migrants with a specific focus on LGBTQI+ protection interventions. Migrants are not inherently vulnerable, but they can find themselves in vulnerable produced in a time span of three months refugees and migrants. This particular com- situations arising from the reasons for leaving their since the starting date and has therefore munity was difficult to approach due to top- country of origin, the circumstances in which they travel or the conditions they face on arrival, or because of condensed Internews IEA methodological ics such as stigma and scapegoating of the personal circumstances such as their age, disability phases into a more simplified version. LGBTQI+ community. We worked through or health status. Migrants in vulnerable situations are thus persons who are unable to effectively enjoy their a partner Caribe Afirmativo who focuses on human rights, are at increased risk of violations and n Field work limitations: The sampling ap- LGBTQI+ human rights abuse to help us gain abuse and who, accordingly, are entitled to call on a duty bearer’s heightened duty of care. (OCHCR. proach for the qualitative and quantitative insight on needs and access of COVID-19 re- (2017). Differentiation between Migrants and Refugees. data collection was purposive, due to the lated information. These indicators cannot be https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Migration/Pages/ GlobalCompactforMigration.aspx) specific focus of the project on refugee and considered representative of the LGBTQI+ 2Main nationalities in extra-regional migration flows migrant and LGBTQI+ communities in Na- refugee and migrant community as we need in the Americas include India, Bangladesh, Nepal riño. Respondents were selected based on a to take into account that responses that were Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Mali, Nigeria and Somalia. Nationals of convenience sampling through the network offered could be affected by fear or misun- Caribbean islands, mainly Cubans and Haitians, are of Internews’ partner organizations on the derstanding of the questions, among other. l also often included under the ‘extra-regional’ label.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 15 NARIÑO COLOMBIA II. COUNTRY PROFILE
2.1 COUNTRY PROFILE
INDICATORS Colombia Total population (millions) 49.7
Civil liberties (including freedom of expression) 37/60 Population in multidimensional poverty (% headcount) 5.03% Press Key demo- Human development index (rank) 0.761 (79) related Press freedom index 2019 (out of 180 countries) 129 graphic, index social and Rural population (%) 19.2% Press freedom index 2020 (out of 180 countries) 130 political * Source civil rights: freedom house global freedom status factors Illiteracy rate** 5.3% ** Source index ranking: Reporters without borders Refugees by country of origin 79.8 Obstacles to access (0=Worst; 25=Best) 1617 Elections 2022 Limits on content (0=Worst; 35=Best) 27 * Source: United Nations Human Development Reports Freedom ** Literacy is understood as the ability to read and write a short simple statement of everyday life on the net Violation of user rights (0=Worst; 30=Best) 23 Freedom on the net score 2018 69 Confirmed cases 1,007,711 COVID-19 Freedom on the net score 2019 67 Deaths 30,000 * Source: World Health Organisation https://covid19.who.int/ * Source: Freedom house freedom on the net
Internet penetration rate 62.3 % LEGEND ICTs Mobile phone penetration 129.9% Not free Partly free * Source: United Nations Human Development Reports
our years after the signing of the ticularly in isolated rural areas, natural disas- with 65 Amerindian languages spoken in Peace Agreement between the ters, and the arrival of refugees and migrants the country. Of these 65, 5 languages have Government and the Revolutionary are some of the factors that add to existing no capacity for revitalization and another 19 Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), needs. 4.4% of the country’s total population are in danger of disappearing.4 FColombia continues to face multiple chal- (1,905,617) is indigenous, according to a na- lenges. In 2020, at least 5.1 million people are tional census conducted in 2018. The 2018 On 1 April 2020, the Colombian State milita- estimated to need humanitarian assistance census also reveals that there are now 115 rized its border with Ecuador (departments worldwide.3 The escalation of conflict, par- different indigenous groups in Colombia of Nariño and Putumayo) to increase
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 16 NARIÑO COLOMBIA II. COUNTRY PROFILE
control over more than 40 irregular crossing Colombia in which state presence is limited Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Na- routes extending through 586 kilometers and only available to some parts of the de- tional, ELN) involved in illicit crops.11 l of border between Ecuador and Colombia. partment and where several armed groups At the beginning of the pandemic in March compete for the control of illicit economies 3Norwegian Refugee Council (2020). Colombia: An Ongoing 2020, Colombian Migration officials regis- and trade routes to exercise control over Crisis. https://nrc.org.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Joint- tered 1,715,831 million Venezuelan refugees these territories.7 In 2020, 10% of the massa- INGOs-Briefing-Colombia.pdf 4IWGIA (2020). Indigenous Peoples in Colombia. https:// and migrants in Colombia, with 13,930 ref- cres that occurred in Colombia happened in www.iwgia.org/en/colombia.html ugees and/or migrants registered in Na- the Nariño department, which became the 5Response for Venezuelans R4V (2020). Infografía de riño.5 A comprehensive legal frame-work 3rd most dangerous region of the country.8 Refugiados y Migrantes Venezolanos. https://reliefweb. int/report/colombia/infograf-de-refugiados-y-migrantes- does not exist on migration in Colombia: With the presence of these armed groups venezolanos-gifmm-nari-o-diciembre-2020 relevant standards are currently scattered comes heightened violence that includes 6Migration Colombia (2020, December 11). https://www. across several decrees and policy docu- massacres to intimidate local populations.9 migracioncolombia.gov.co/ 7IACHR (2020, October 13). La CIDH expresa su ments called CONPES (National Council Social leaders and human rights defenders preocupación por el incremento de la violencia en for Economic and Social Policy). The main are also targets of assassinations for oppos- Colombia en territorios con presencia de grupos armados ilícitos. https://www.oas.org/es/cidh/prensa/ option for Venezuelans in Colombia to reg- ing illicit economic activity and promoting comunicados/2020/251.asp ularize their status is the Special Permit to the implementation of the Peace Process 8Indepaz (2020). Informe de masacres en Colombia durante el 2020. http://www.indepaz.org.co/informe-de-masacres- Stay (PEP acronym in Spanish). There is a (which includes illicit crop substitution and en-colombia-durante-el-2020/ new permit known as Temporary Protect- land redistribution programs). COVID-19 has 9Verdad Abierta (2020b, August 23). Colombia. 93 masacres ed Statute for Venezuelan Migrants (EPTV) exacerbated the vulnerable situation for hu- en 20 meses. https://verdadabierta.com/olombia-93- masacres-en-20-meses/ that protects Venezuelans from involuntary man rights defenders and social leaders as 10Amnesty International (2020).Why do they want to kill returns, reduce the risks of exploitation, many have been left without protection ar- us? https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/ and allow Venezuelans to better safeguard rangements.10 Just recently, 300 Venezuelan AMR2330092020ENGLISH.PDF 11 6 RCN Radio (2020, November 27). Venezolanos sufren themselves and their families. refugees and migrants were threatened and doble desplazamiento por amenazas del ELN en forcibly displaced in the neighboring depart- Argelia, Cauca. https://www.rcnradio.com/olombia/sur/ venezolanos-sufren-doble-desplazamiento-por-amenazas- Nariño belongs to one of the regions within ment of Cauca by the armed group National del-eln-en-argelia-cauca
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 17 NARIÑO COLOMBIA III. INFORMATION SUPPLY: information providers landscape review (how information is produced and distributed)
very high very low very high very low very high very low very high very low Community media & citizen journalism Media standards level Media plurality Media freedom
Source: Internews 2020
3.1 MEDIA PROVIDERS Colombia’s leading television networks with a penetration of 96%. Nevertheless, and newspapers are run by members radio has the highest reach with a he media market in Colombia of long-standing political and economic consumption level of 77%. Independent includes four national newspa- elites. Two privately owned open magazines are consumed by 28% of the pers, more than five regional television networks (Organization Ardila population, followed by newspapers with newspapers, 1512 radio stations Lülle and Grupo Empresarial Santo 26%. Internet comes in last with 11% of Tcovering commercial, community, and Domingo) concentrate most of the the population. public interest programming, more than national, regional, and local television 50 public, private, regional, communi- audience creating a duopoly in this sector. Several radio stations are led by indige- ty, and local television channels (three The audience reach of radio media is nous communities where an important national public channels, eight regional highly concentrated and belongs to two mission is to promote the systemati- public channels) and an undocument- large economic conglomerates. zation and dissemination of resources ed number of national and non-native for the strategic use of Information and digital media among them 650 internet According to Media Ownership Monitor12, Communication Technologies (ICTs). portals. television is the most consumed media Indigenous radio stations also work
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 18 NARIÑO COLOMBIA III. INFORMATION SUPPLY
to increase visibility of specific commu- financial sustainability and is dependent nities in respective regions and to foster on external resources in many cases. a sense of value of their culture among While international media plays a signif- the same groups. An important ref- icant role in information dissemination erence in the use of media by indig- around COVID-19 related topics among enous movements is the Regional refugees and migrants, these media out- Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC lets do not reach audiences living in very in Spanish) which plays a key role remote areas. Although, there are associ- in strengthening the Association ations present throughout the region as of Indigenous Media of Colombia well as a wide array of community radio (AMCIC Network). Another import- stations, there are no media outlets that ant network is the National System of solely focus on refugees and migrants or Indigenous Information and Communi- the LGBTQI+ refugee and migrant com- cation (SICO in Spanish), guided by the munity. In addition, certain rural areas in National Indigenous Colombian Orga- Colombia, specifically in Nariño have not nization (ONIC in Spanish). There are received much state presence or inter- also Public Interest Radio Broadcasting est on behalf of politicians so radio sta- systems where the Military Forces, the tions fill in the gaps of inform- Army and the Police have their own ra- ing those who live in remote dio stations with large coverage, partic- areas and may not have ac- ularly in rural areas.13 The presence of cess to local newspapers or independent and digital native media is phone connectivity. With the noteworthy. Independent digital media presence of armed actors has gained relevance in recent years, in several parts of Nariño, especially for niche audiences, but lacks underreporting and
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Due to the reliance on the control over what information is dis- financing to survive as a There are no specific media or internet seminated establishes clear obstacles for laws, but there is a legal framework that people who want to gain awareness or local and independent media guarantees the fundamental rights of inform themselves. outlet, it is questionable its citizens in the digital sphere. This whether some media avoid is backed by Colombia’s membership Financing is often extremely difficult of the Inter-American Human Rights and government advertising can publishing content about system. According to Freedom House, make a significant difference in an sensitive issues because Colombia ranks as “partly free” while outlet’s long-term existence. Due to the there are significant threats to journalists, reliance on financing to survive as a they fear they may lose election related disinformation, and local and independent media outlet, it advertising revenues, close, a weaponization of copyright and is questionable whether some media defamation laws.15 l avoid publishing content about sensitive or face administrative issues because they fear they may lose sanctions. 12Media Ownership Monitor (2020). Owners in Disguise. advertising revenues, close, or face http://colombia.mom-rsf.org/en/ administrative sanctions. According to 13Media Landscapes (2020). Colombia. https:// the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) In comparison, national media outlets are medialandscapes.org/country/olombia/media/radio there is a lack of transparency in relation backed by significant politicians and have 14FLIP (2020, April 17). Más transparencia y menos to the economic impacts COVID-19 funding guaranteed, meaning they can autobombo deben tener las comunicaciones de has had on media outlets.14 This has cover a wide array of stories and dominate las autoridades. https://flip.org.co/index.php/en/ resulted in more difficulties to reach out media landscapes. informacion/pronunciamientos/item/2500-mas- transparencia-y-menos-autobombo-deben-tener-las- for economic support as the topic is comunicaciones-de-las-autoridades not perceived as relevant and leads to Freedom of expression, as granted in Article 15Freedom House (2019).Freedom on the Net structural deficits as it becomes clear that 20 of the National Constitution, applies not 2019-Colombia. https://freedomhouse.org/country/ small media outlets are not sustainable. only offline but also in the online world. olombia/freedom-net/2019
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most visited national news media is El Ti- internet through their mobile phones. 3.2 DIGITAL MEDIA empo, which reinforces the brand power There were 35 million social media users LANDSCAPE of the traditional print media.16 In compar- with an increase of 3.4 million (11%) olombia has the fourth largest ison, online digital media organizations between April 2019 and January 2020.17 online audience in Latin Amer- cannot compare with the visitor numbers According to the Global Web Index, most ica with the average visitor on- of traditional media. Colombians between the age of 16 and line times ranking higher than 64 use YouTube the most, followed by Cthe global average. According to Alexa According to DataReportal, in January Facebook and then WhatsApp. One big ranking, an Amazon company, Facebook, 2020, there were 35 million internet users challenge to internet access has been the YouTube, and Google are the most fre- in Colombia (69% of the population) with implementation of internet connectivity quently visited pages in the country. The more than half of the population accessing in rural areas.
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Radio stations, community organizations Radio stations, community free WIFI networks that provide refugees and advocacy groups utilize online radio and and migrants with direct access to free narrowcasting of audio through WhatsApp, organizations and advocacy resources, although many among this particularly to reach areas that do not have population are not aware of these access groups utilize online radio 18 consistent access to radio. Key informants points. Together with tech companies, indicated this was usual practice before the and narrowcasting of the International Rescue Committee pandemic, and that these organizations (IRC) launched a digital initiative to report on and engage with listeners audio through WhatsApp, combat misinformation for Venezuelan about the COVID-19 pandemic because particularly to reach areas refugees and migrants and displaced it is an issue that is important to them. populations in Colombia. The platform is called InfoPa’lante and offers information In southern Colombia (with production that do not have consistent on civil and legal rights, jobs, and access mostly happening out of Cali) radio / audio access to radio. to healthcare, while providing a map of programs are conducted in Spanish, with services and social media channels for some programming in the Pjiao and Nasa the community to provide feedback and languages – when community members that runs out, there are free access points questions. Additionally, there is a digital from those language groups are directly such as malls, restaurants, and public platform “Estoy en la Frontera” to ensure involved in programming. institutions. Many rural areas have not had that migrants, refugees and returnees have much access, if at all, to internet. There information and support. The numbers mentioned are misleading have been efforts by the Government to as there are big differences in how people combat this. For example, 7000, “digital In a regional needs’ assessment among can access the Internet across the country. kiosks” have been installed in rural areas. Venezuelan refugees and migrants in A digital divide between urban and rural NetHope has employed free WIFI access 15 different countries in Latin America areas continue to exist. In bigger cities, points for refugees and migrants and the in 2019, 70% of the informants had there is generally a 4G connection and if organizations supporting them. There are access to a mobile phone, 2/3 of
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which having access to a Smartphone of the COVID-19 pandemic and the specifically. Social media remains an prioritization of spending leaving people important source of information alongside without access to internet.20 In 2020, WhatsApp and TV, which are also main a significant growth in connection in channels of information. The results Tumaco was detected. The increase of are not representative but indicate a internet connectivity among Venezuelans pervasive use of Smartphones and social was higher than 100% which could media among Venezuelans refugees and possibly be due to the opening of new migrants. When asked which sources trochas (irregular migratory routes) along were least trusted, over 30% stated that the border with Ecuador. l they did not trust Facebook and 20% did not trust WhatsApp. This reveals how 16Alexa (2020). Digital 2020: Colombia. https://www. many Venezuelans are aware of the spread alexa.com/topsites/countries/CO of fake news and advertisements on 17Alexa (2020). Digital 2020: Colombia. https://www. alexa.com/topsites/countries/CO social media.19 Easy access puts refugees 18USAID (2020, July). Colombia Digital Ecosystem and migrants at risk of being targeted Country Assessment. https://www.usaid.gov/sites/ by misinformation about humanitarian default/files/documents/Colombia_DECA_Report_ Spanish.pdf assistance, government efforts, or health- 19ACAPS Risk Analysis (2020, March). Crisis in Sight. related measures related to COVID-19. Global Risk Analysis. Colombia. https://www.acaps. org/sites/acaps/files/products/files/20200325_acaps_ A study that tracked Venezuelan’s global_risk_analysis_march_2020_0.pdf 20iMMAP (2020, May 20). Colombia: Tracking the connectivity in Colombia with Facebook Facebook connections of Venezuelan refugee, migrant in 2019 and 2020 revealed that there and returnee populations in Colombia. https://immap. org/product/tracking-the-facebook-connections- were decreases in Facebook connections of-venezuelan-refugee-migrant-and-returnee- in 2020 which could be a consequence populations-in-colombia/
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free journalism and monitors any viola- REGULATORY BODIES 3.3 MEDIA tion of freedom of the press, in addition Colombia’s ICT sector has several AND JOURNALIST to fighting for better working conditions. ASSOCIATIONS regulatory bodies. As of 2019, there is a new law that eliminates the National In Nariño, associations include Southern AND REGULATORS Television Authority and establishes a Journalists’ Association and the Nariño n a national level, the FLIP convergent regulator, the Communication Association of Journalists (ANP) as well is a non-profit organization Regulation Commission (CRC), to oversee created to protect journalists as the Colegio Nacional de Periodistas the ICT sector, television, and radio. The suffering from threats in Co- (National School of Journalists) which is a President appoints the ICT minister who Olombia, but also has regional directors union of independent journalists founded oversees the telecommunications sector and offices within the country. Currently, in Bogota in 1957 to defend and dignify as well as three commissioners. The the FLIP also follows and denounces vi- the profession with an office in Tumaco. ICT minister chairs the Communication olations to freedom of press in Colombia Lastly, the Association for Border Journal- and defends and promotes freedom of ism has its seat in Ipiales and promotes Regulation Commission (CRC) which expression and the right to access pub- independent and investigative journal- ensures efficient service and promotes lic information. In addition, it carries out ism. The Nariño Sindamanoy Network is competition in the telecommunications self-protection workshops for journalists a broadcasting network that represents sector. The ICT Minister also appoints in the regions most affected by violence. community radio stations in the depart- the head of the National Spectrum Internews in Colombia also supports ment of Nariño. The network is committed Agency (NSA) which oversees planning, these efforts. FECOLPER (Federation of to community participation and includes managing, and supervising the use of the Colombian Journalists) is an organization 35 community stations. Community radio radioelectric spectrum. There has been with a social base and includes 29 associ- stations are a significant means of com- criticism against the concentration of ations of journalists and more than 1,200 munication in Nariño and reach wider au- many functions in the government and a members. It promotes best practices of diences in both urban and rural areas. lack of independence. l
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3.4 LOCAL RELEVANCE ‘hotspot’ neighborhoods, (for example, Oís a high diffusion among all population Radio based in Cali). In Tumaco, there is a groups in Nariño. Another significant OF INFORMATION radio broadcasting server Mira, which is challenge for information providers is olitical parties strongly dom- community based and has recently joined that communities in Colombia are very inate the media sector and together with the organization Save the localized in relation to everyday life so decide what topics receive more Children to broadcast COVID-19 related what happens on a dominant political level coverage than others. Alternative information for children. As radio stations may not necessarily Pmedia outlets usually bridge gaps in and local journalists receive limited reach them although information needs catering to smaller funding and communication measures relevant. population groups and more localized are not sufficiently included interests and knowledge. into response plans for humanitarian Among the Venezuelan refugee and organizations, migrant community, Facebook and information and WhatsApp are popular. Informants noted news does not that media are producing quality programs always have and publications that regularly provide updates on COVID-19 using information from the national government and health authorities. These range from regular nationally broadcast messaging on radio (for example ‘El Antivirus,’ produced by FEDEMEDIOS, runs COVID-19 updates every hour, on the hour), to local media doing in-depth localized reporting on
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Key informants report that communities and journalists that cover their activities. different ways, from blocking their living in higher levels of poverty, migrants Not only do these threats (that also include attackers to withdrawing from social and refugees, indigenous groups, and killings) lead to the creation of information networks.22 According to a study carried Afro-Colombians have been often dispro- ‘black holes’, but with mainstream media’s out by the FLIP, “the number of social portionally represented in stories about linkage to the political class and business network attacks on journalists increased, people breaking quarantine or lockdown corporations, independent journalism is especially on women who received mainly conditions – for example, coverage of hindered and results in self-censorship.21 verbal attacks and stigmatization against 23 neighborhood parties. Local journalists According to an “Information Mapping” their work.” Out of 1,100 municipalities in noted that a complex barrier is the capa- conducted by the FLIP in 2019, more than 10 the country, 353 have no local media and bility to produce information materials in a million Colombians lived in municipalities 313 have musical or entertainment media without local news. This means that more timely way that are appropriate to diverse where it was easier to find out what was than half of Colombia’s territory is an contexts of different population groups, happening in big cities than issues that information desert.24 l such as rural and city, refugees and in- were happening where they live. The ternally displaced. Additionally, police armed conflict in Colombia has made 21Reporters without Borders (2019). Colombia. https:// and associated government departments journalism a high-risk profession that is rsf.org/en/colombia are seen to be focusing on ‘pandemic characterized by intimidation, persecution 22Deutsche Welle (2019, February 18). Fighting back policing’ (enforcement of lockdowns and and threats directly impacting local news. against online culture of violence targeting women in Colombia. https://www.dw.com/en/fighting-back- movement restrictions) disproportionally With no national regulations in place for against-an-online-culture-of-violence-targeting- on indigenous neighborhoods. social media platforms, people can post women-in-colombia/a-47570978 23 whatever they want. ‘Women’s Rights El Espectador (2018, February 9). Colombia le sigue fallando a la libertad de prensa. https://www. Another significant challenge in Nariño Online’ states that women are faced with elespectador.com/entretenimiento/medios/colombia- is the deliberate attempt to intimidate the disproportionate aggressive discussions, le-sigue-fallando-a-la-libertad-de-prensa/ 24International Journalists’ Network IJ Net (2019, May). media and silence them. Armed groups hate speech, and cyberstalking which Addressing Colombian news deserts. https://ijnet.org/ continuously threaten media platforms affects the way women respond in en/story/addressing-colombian-news-deserts
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3.5 MEDIA CAPACITY fired individually and in mass, absence mechanisms, although regulation is car- of prevention and safety measures amid ried out through death threats, irregular
AND INFORMATION COVID-19 and, expectation of travel to prosecution (the use of the criminal code QUALITY different regions in the country without to censor or silence the press) and unfair n key informant interviews, local respect for safety measures for journal- working conditions. There are no national journalists stated that print, digital ists. Because of these points, of which commissions or regulatory mechanisms and radio broadcasters have limited exist many, the ability to conduct inves- on a national or regional level for jour- professional training on media eth- tigative journalism and research stories nalism in Colombia. The Gabriel García Iics, investigative journalism, and triangu- Márquez New Iberoamerican Journal- without compromising the journalists’ lation of evidence due to lack of funding safety has been significantly reduced or ism Foundation -FNPI- was founded by possibilities. While associations in the deemed impossible.25 Garcia Marquez himself in Cartagena de Indias as an international center for the department do contribute to trainings, professional development of journalists, they lack sustainability due to an exacer- In 1998, the Constitutional Court declared which has an ethics commission. Aside bated financial and safety situation with unconstitutional Law 57 of 1985, a law from this, there is no regulatory interven- COVID-19. Local journalists also revealed that ruled the journalism profession Ad- tion which has allowed for owners of me- concerns on covering COVID-19 related ditionally, the Constitution guarantees the dia, advertisers, and the State to bypass topics after becoming sick with the virus. right to rectification, the Criminal Code their responsibilities in relation to the A report by FECOLPER and the Interna- protects against defamation, slander and right to report. Information is increasingly tional Federation of Journalists on work- label (which has been criticized by the IA- tied to special interests in Colombia. l ing conditions and professional practice CHR, press freedom NGOs and journal- in Colombia amid COVID-19, indicated ists’ associations because it contradicts lower salaries for the same deliveries, the international standards on press free- 25FECOLPER (2020, April 27). COLOMBIA: Imponen a prompt and unjustified dismissals, lack dom). The hostile environment against the periodistas condiciones laborales igual o más lesivas que la pandemia Covid-19. https://fecolper.com.co/ of compensation packages for those Press may not represent official regulatory abusoslaboralescovid/
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of access to information in the current indicating that communication and infor- 3.6 COVID 19 context and the crucial role that journalists mation between media and humanitarian INFORMATION play amid the public health emergency. organizations poses space for dialogue COORDINATION There has also been concern about the and collaboration. While media stakehold- MECHANISMS dissemination of information without a ers rank their interaction with community scientific basis by high-level authorities in media stakeholders as very high, this is he Inter-American Commission Venezuela, which could contribute to the limited to Colombian community media, on Human Rights (IACHR) has dissemination of unreliable information and as Venezuelan community media repre- identified restrictions on the generate uncertainty in the population.26 sentatives characterized their relationship access of journalists to press The same concern applies to Colombia to media as one lacking strengthening, but Tconferences and the possibility of asking where Venezuelan refugees and migrants with a potential for growth. questions about the pandemic in Colombia. might also access information provided by At the beginning of the pandemic Article Venezuelan authorities through the internet. This table shows that main interaction 5 of Legislative Decree 491, adopted on nodes are with Government entities and March 28, 2020, extended the time periods The following research has produced a first Ministries, followed by Community leaders to respond to petitions, set forth in Article step towards a network mapping assess- and Community media representatives. Si- 14 of Law 1437 of 2011, that were already ment in the media sector asking informants multaneously, it is noticeable that none of in progress or filed during the COVID-19 about the intensity of their interaction with the respondents show key constituencies pandemic. The decree extended the time other stakeholders during the COVID-19 as an important stakeholder in their net- to respond to general requests. pandemic.27 According to the responses works. Media outlets mentioned a lack of provided in KIIs with local and regional me- communication to humanitarian organiza- Access to information held by the State is dia (see Table 2), their highest interaction tions in the access of COVID-19 related in- a fundamental right of individuals. States was with public bodies and other media formation during the urgency of protecting are obligated to guarantee this right. The stakeholders as well as community media groups by countering misinformation about IACHR’s Resolution on Pandemic and stakeholders. International stakeholders COVID-19. The demand for trustworthy Human Rights highlighted the importance are ranked as mid and low interaction, and credible information runs high for
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Table 2. Media outlets COVID-19 principal interaction nodes AVG MEDIA migrant and refugee populations in Nariño. UN agencies INTERNATIONAL 2.50 very very high low Strengthening relationships with humani- Multilateral organisations INTERNATIONAL 1.50 INTENSITY tarian organizations and community groups (other than UN) OF INTERACTION Countries to disseminate information can ensure in- (other States donors) INTERNATIONAL 1.25 formation reaches wider audiences. Other international INTERNATIONAL 2.50 Ministry of information/ NATIONAL 4.50 All these findings indicate to a varied net- Communication work of media outlets that can cover the Ministry of Health NATIONAL 4.50 Ministry of Disaster NATIONAL 3.75 connection needs for responding to the Management (or similar) COVID-19 pandemic. Further assessment Other Ministries or executive bodies NATIONAL 2.00 will help to define how community repre- Regional/local level authorities NATIONAL 5.00 sentative stakeholders offer and provide an inclusive approach to two-way communi- Media regulatory authorities NATIONAL 1.00 cation processes with communities (which Other public bodies NATIONAL 1.00 Community media in the case of media outlets are their target- MEDIA 4.75 ed audiences) and how the gap identified representatives with humanitarian organizations is affect- Media associations MEDIA 3.75 ing the accuracy and timeliness of informa- Public media MEDIA 3.75 tion from the media. l Commercial media MEDIA 2.00
Community leaders CIVIL SOCIETY 5.00 26OAS (2020, April). Press Release R78/20. http:// www.oas.org/en/iachr/expression/showarticle. Religious leaders CIVIL SOCIETY 1.25 asp?lID=1&artID=1173 Online platforms (private sector) CIVIL SOCIETY 4.00 27Network mapping exercise included an interlocuter – search engines survey based in two questions on the degree of Key constituencies interaction and the type of interaction. The research (women, youth) CIVIL SOCIETY 1.00 implemented 4 of these surveys. Thus, this first step is considered as a pilot test that shall be further developed Other private CIVIL SOCIETY 1.00 in the following IEA including a thorough assessment of Source: Internews 2020 all network mapping features and covering a wide range of representative stakeholders from all key sectors.
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Figure 1. Visual Stakeholder Map of Media outlets (nodes with scored interaction over 3 in a scale from 1 to 5)
Source: Internews 2020
RESPONDENT INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL MEDIA CIVIL SOCIETY
Journalist School of Key constituencies Religious Tumaco (women, youth) leaders Ministry of Commercial information / media Communication
Other international
Investigative Online platform (private Other freelance sector) -search engines, private journalist social media platform Community media representatives
Un agencies Regional/ Stereo local level Ministry Tumaco authorities of Health Multilateral Countries Public organisations (other States media donors) Community leaders
Ministry of Media Disaster associations Management Other Ministries Media of executive regulatory Federation bodies authorities of National Journalists INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 30 NARIÑO COLOMBIA IV. INFORMATION DEMAND (information communities needs most and how they access it)
4.1 INFORMATION COVID-19 information, treatment, and prevention. Further needs were related NEEDS AND GAPS to employment (40%), access to human- he novel coronavirus has been itarian aid (34%) and access to educa- a devastating gamechanger tion (22%). COVID-19 information and for refugees and migrants in what facilities were available to migrant Nariño. For those working for communities were considered relevant Tcash wages, with little or no savings, the information as well as where to receive complete shutdown of economic activity COVID-19 testing. Many also indicated meant an end to income and means of that they required more information on sustenance. Even though humanitarian specific topics including how to access organizations have helped refugees and COVID-19 tests, what to do if members of migrants, this has not been enough to the household show symptoms, and how replace ordinary livelihoods. to protect themselves from COVID-19. Among the LGBTQI+ migrant and refu- In surveys on information needs, 69% gee community, access to tailored health of the participants related their needs to information, such as links between
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COVID-19 and co-morbidities, such as COVID-19” if livelihoods were not secured. “I am going to HIV/AIDs was considered vital. Due to In addition, participants in listening groups hormone treatments among members of considered information related to employ- die of hunger the LGBTQI+ community and weakened ment as very important, with many not before I die immune systems, curated information knowing where to turn in times without a around health and access is of great im- stable livelihood. Women in migrant and of COVID-19.” portance. refugee families are mostly in charge of education and health related issues that In listening groups conducted in Ipiales, are retrieved from humanitarian organi- of their irregular migration status. Venezuelan associations in Tumaco several refugees and migrants mentioned zations, according to focus groups. Par- have provided educational activities for that there was a lack of accompaniment ticipants mentioned that media platforms children via WhatsApp. and support to access to health infor- were not aware of these issues and did not mation and medical services. For wom- adequately support women in their infor- In focus groups in Tumaco and Ipiales, en, health related information was linked mation needs. What became clear is that people highlighted information needs to reproductive topics. While those with eviction has also been a source of despair related to socio-economic consequences regular migratory status did receive med- with many refugees and migrants lacking of the pandemic followed by healthcare, ical attention, many of the refugees and information surrounding what their hous- and legal issues, including mental health migrants with irregular migratory status ing rights are and how to protect them- access and humanitarian aid. In the complained that access to medical care selves from possible eviction. situation of refugees and migrants, most and information was not easy or possi- have lost their livelihoods and do not ble. Women in listening groups expressed Education and access to education has receive subsidies from the State or sufficient their feelings of despair on how to feed been a barrier for families in both cities. humanitarian aid to be able to live. This can their families. One migrant stated that “I Some families stated that their children be explained by the framing of information am going to die of hunger before I die of were excluded from schools because during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Graph 1. Information Topics and Needs
What information do you need more of possibly creating a bias for people to regarding the covid-19 pandemic? emphasize their needs that are directly In the situation of related to COVID-19. refugees and migrants, Treatment for COVID-19 69 % Truly little data and evidence exists on spe- most have lost their cific dynamics of extra-regional refugees livelihoods and do not Employment 40 % and migrants and the needs of those who receive subsidies from make them up. With more than 24,000 extra-regional refugees and migrants the State or insufficient Aid 34 % crossing through Colombia in 2019 and humanitarian aid to be 4,000 in 202028, it goes without saying that able to live. Education 22 % further research is required to understand the information needs of this group. As for Land 18 % the Colombian government, the response for decades has been either turning a movement and border closures in Colom- blind eye to the phenomenon or facilitat- bia). This phenomenon, in comparison to Local news 15 % ing quick and easy movement through neighboring countries, has not yet been tackled by the international humanitarian the country, passing the ‘problem’ on to Leisure 10 % another country (in this case Panama). In agenda or has been integrated into the na- tional response plan. l relation to extra-regional migration, there Other 4 % has been insufficient comprehensive anal- ysis of routes, trends and protection risks, 28Mixed Migration Centre (2020). MMC Latin America and the Caribbean. Quarter 3 2020. http://www. Source: Internews 2020 and even less so amid COVID-19 and its mixedmigration.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ inherent consequences (i.e. restriction of qmmu-q3-2020-lac.pdf
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4.2 ACCESS - CHANNELS AND SOURCES ccess to information has proven a significant barrier for many members of the refugee and migrant community in Tumaco Aand Ipiales. Although most information flows are received and reproduced through the internet, those who have a phone do not always have sufficient economic means to regularly buy data and access the internet. Face to face communication is strong among the refugee and migrant community and many people also rely on this form of communication to receive information they have not been otherwise able to obtain. Journalists stated that LGBTQI+ community stated Youtube as Face to face communication was rated community radio stations are a significant their preferred channel to access relevant among the less frequent ways information means of information on COVID-related information (100%). In general, Facebook, is accessed. As mentioned before, the topics, especially in remote areas of Whatsapp and Viber were considered information needs of the participants in Colombia where communities don’t have popular channels to access relevant the survey are not being entirely met. access to internet. Members of the information for refugees and migrants. This demonstrates that access to
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information is not covered in its totality workers were considered among the among the migrant and refugee most trustworthy along with humanitarian community, with large information Refugees and migrants organizations to access information. gaps related to COVID-19 treatment, want the opportunity prevention and information. There is limited to no access to informa- to strengthen actions tion in culturally appropriate formats for While radio stations are well received to promote refugee and minorities and indigenous communities, among community members, they have with most government statements and not sufficiently been used as interlocutors, migrant participation. information only being made available producers, and collaborators within a in one majority language. This presents communications projects for refugees and a particular threat to persons with migrants. Community broadcasters do In Tumaco and Ipiales, the main language disabilities within marginalized commu- not have a community communications spoken among the migrant population is nities, including indigenous communities program built collectively and from the Spanish. During interviews, there were and migrants and refugees who do not needs of citizens. When asked explicitly no encounters with language barriers, on whether radio is a media outlet they although some participants mentioned speak Spanish. In the case of Haitian would consider using, refugees and that they preferred a more localized refugees and migrants, there are linguistic migrants in focus groups did show a Spanish with easier terms to understand. and cultural challenges for the immigra- favorable tendency to want to engage In the quantitative surveys, more than tion and asylum systems. In Colombia, in dynamics of production of content. 80% of the participants stated that they this system is weak in terms of financial It was also confirmed that refugees always or normally received information and human resources and there may and migrants want the opportunity to in their language of preference (see not exist resources to hire interpreters to strengthen actions to promoting refugee Graph 3). In terms of non-media sources conduct interviews in languages other and migrant participation. and their importance, community health than Spanish. l
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4.3 MAIN BARRIERS TO INFORMATION enezuelan efugees and mi- grants face limited access to healthcare services. The failure to implement the national re- Vsponse plan, CONPES, and the govern- ment guidelines create difficulties to en- roll in healthcare services. Refugees and migrants stated that healthcare services were not accessible for those without pa- pers. Migrants with a permanent residen- cy only applied for emergency relief care but could not enroll in a healthcare ser- vice, even though legally it is their right. In this sense, refugees and migrants do require more in-depth information on their rights and changes to laws around inclusionary measures, situation that will only be exacerbated with the new EPTV. Key barriers to information highlighted in KIIs and focus groups include irregu- lar migration status, lack of health
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insurance, discrimination and xenopho- healthcare, the availability of LGBTQI+ bia, fear of being reported to immigration friendly doctors to receive aid without ex- Surveys conducted with authorities and the lack of knowledge of periencing discrimination, and informa- the law (although everyone in Colombia tion on inclusive doctors (if any). LGBTQI+ community has a right to access basic emergency members indicate that healthcare independent of their immi- Refugees and migrants have adopted information needs gration status). Refugees and migrants alternative strategies to deal with this type related to differential stated that support was not always ade- of situation that include self-medicating quate to their situation and in many cases and avoiding spaces of high contagion, approaches to health medical staff did not have knowledge of such as hospitals. Participants in focus were not met. groups mentioned that these barriers the legal framework either. When talking also led to insufficient information on how to Venezuelan women, it was also found and where to access COVID-19 tests. that there is limited access to sexual and Respondents highlighted several barriers struggling to make ends meet, finding re- reproductive health services. There is that they face in accessing information liable and free of charge internet access specific information around healthcare on COVID-19, which include lack of legal has become a need that many cannot needs that are not covered for women documentation, lack of financial resources fulfill. With little to no access to internet and indicate additional gaps. Surveys to pay for medical care, discrimination and/or a cell phone, many Venezuelans conducted with LGBTQI+ communi- and the knowledge of rumors and fake at this point rely solely on those who ty members indicate that information news circulating on COVID-19. help them, such as humanitarian orga- needs related to differential approaches nizations and local associations. In addi- to health were not met. An advocate for In addition to severe medical barriers, tion, refugees and migrants rely strongly migrant and LGBTQI+ rights specifical- many refugees and migrants simply do on word-of-mouth communication and ly indicated towards information needs not have the economic means to access in person information spread from those of LGBTQI+ persons regarding available information via the internet. With many offering assistances. Stigma around
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COVID-19 also contributes to how com- considerable amounts of control of the munities will respond to COVID-19, mak- population, some threatening and using There have been several ing communication vital and creating force to gain control. There have been trust in reliable health services and infor- several reports where armed groups im- reports where armed groups mation all the more necessary. pose totalitarian control measures, such impose totalitarian control as curfews, on different neighborhoods. Access to information is also strongly The “Oliver Sinisterra Front,” a group measures, such as curfews, influenced by the armed conflict in Na- that emerged from the FARC, released a riño. Armed groups have been exercising pamphlet on March 22, 2020 announc- on different neighborhoods. ing a curfew in Tumaco and threatening sanctions to those who did not comply. Another pamphlet was handed out at with Venezuelan refugees and migrants a later point that directly threatened ci- often targeted.31 l Stigma around COVID-19 vilians warning that those who did not comply would turn into military targets.29 also contributes to how 29Vivanco (2020, April). Armed Groups in Colombia Measures imposed include curfews, lock- Threaten Civilians over COVID-19 Measures. https:// communities will respond downs, movement restrictions for people, www.hrw.org/news/2020/04/13/armed-groups- colombia-threaten-civilians-over-covid-19-measures to COVID-19, making cars, and boats, opening hour limitations 30Human Rights Watch (2020). Colombia: Armed communication vital and for stores, and lastly, banning foreigners’ Groups’ Brutal Covid-19 Measures. https://www.hrw. access to the community as well as inter- org/news/2020/07/15/olombia-armed-groups-brutal- creating trust in reliable covid-19-measures actions between communities.30 The stig- 31Verdad Abierta (2020a, May 1). La Colombia profunda health services and matization of people identified as having vive su cuarantena entre el miedo al coronavirus y las armas. https://verdadabierta.com/la-colombia- information more necessary. COVID-19 has led to forced displacement profunda-vive-su-cuarentena-entre-el-miedo-al- justified as social distancing measures, coronavirus-y-a-las-armas/
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governments have failed to design a plan that fits their specific needs. In listening groups, women mentioned that they struggled to access emergency aid programs and COVID-19 social protection responses, putting their safety, their health, and their lives at increased risk just to survive. Not only is it important to make these services accessible, but also 4.4 FOCUS ON limited to domestic violence, sexual to increase digital literacy among women violence, emotional violence, economic in order to be able to access information VULNERABLE GROUPS violence, and human trafficking for sexual that they need. While survey results don’t II interviews and focus groups exploitation. At the same time, women indicate a large gender division when with community members have and girls are denied access to sexual and accessing information, 76% of women identified women, children and reproductive health rights and services. did normally or always feel worried about LGBTQI+ persons as population In focus groups, women commented rumors being spread in their communities. Kgroups that are exposed to protection on sex work as a means of income and This indicates that women are aware risks. Children can fall victim to sexual considered access to general health of the dissemination of fake news and exploitation and forced recruitment in care one of the largest barriers, which misinformation and consider it a high risk. border regions and run the risk of not increased significantly amid COVID-19. In addition, members of the migrant being fully enrolled into the school system. While authorities have been called on and refugee community commented on to outline ‘biosecurity protocols’ for sex increased sentiments of discrimination, Refugee and migrant women are exposed workers during the pandemic, given the prejudice, and resentment from the greater to different forms of gender-based close physical contact and the likeliness public where refugees and migrants violence (GBV) that include but are not to contract and transmit the virus, local are continuously scapegoated and
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seen as the carrier of the virus. In one groups and the recruitment of sex workers ernment officials in Pasto, the capital of interview, a man spoke about the effects as well as the disappearance of women Nariño, the city is considered a transit the border closure has had for those and girls for human and sex trafficking. point for the Haitian migrant and refugee facing danger or persecution because of Listening groups held in Ipiales with community on the way to the northern their sexual orientation or gender identity. women offered space to discuss and voice border with Panama. This particular com- Disappearances of LGBTQI+ persons trauma related experiences, gender-based munity usually travels in large groups and have been reported in the border region violence events and protections measures with children posing multiple challenges with neither authorities nor organizations and mechanisms that women felt were to protection related topics. Language following up on them. For the LGBTQI+ missing and needed. These established barriers and cultural norms differ and community, risks are escalated due to safe spaces were created to comprehend increase communication obstacles be- COVID-19 which pushes them towards gender-specific needs as well as offer tween host society and refugees and mi- greater economic and social vulnerability. space for dialogue amid dire situations grants. With more than 200 Haitian refu- during COVID-19. Women criticized gees and migrants camping out in front of Venezuelan refugees and migrants in the medical landscape in Ipiales for not the Colombian migration office for months Nariño are exposed to a double impact offering consultations on reproductive amid the pandemic, housing was provid- owing to the important level of armed issues. Psychosocial consultations and ed only to a limited extent and complaints violence that causes forced displacement gender-based mental health discussions were made on behalf of authorities about and protection issues. Those of irregular were considered absent and women felt sanitation measures related to the virus. status are particularly exposed to pro- a lot of stigma around these topics and Humanitarian organizations together with tection issues related to sexual and preferred not to talk about them with men local government entities in Pasto pro- gender-based violence, forced recruitment, present. vide emergency relief to the refugee and and forced labor. Venezuelan women in migrant population but are not equipped listening groups expressed heightened Another group that has experienced vul- with cultural knowledge and language feelings of despair and fear when crossing nerability is the Haitian refugee and mi- to inform and support refugees and mi- into Colombia due to the presence of armed grant community. Speaking with gov- grants of Haitian nationality. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 40 NARIÑO COLOMBIA V. INFORMATION DYNAMICS (how individual and communities interact with the information ecosystem and what do they do with the information they access)
5.1 TRUST remained trustworthy sources together with humanitarian organizations among ccording to results in surveys, the Venezuelan migrant and refugee 75% of people have good or community prior and amid the COVID-19 absolute trust in international pandemic. Emerging reasons for trust aid organizations, international amid COVID-19 are messages that they Amedia, health workers in the community, hear several times from different sources and family and friends. Less than 40% have and the level of detail of the information good or absolute trust in government media being shared. but people are more skeptical of national government authorities. When asked what The majority of refugees and migrants made sources trustworthy, refugees and (75%) who participated in the survey migrants have higher trust in a source if stated they normally or always worry about they hear the same message from various the spread of rumors related to COVID-19 sources and also if the news comes from (see Graph 3). Confidence in the ability foreign sources. The level of detail of to differentiate between false and precise information and formal presentation of COVID-19 related information was ranked information are considered important relatively high with 80% indicating that aspects to consider a source trustworthy. they felt completely confident or usually Like the findings in focus groups and confident in reproducing information KIIs (Key Informant Interviews), official related to COVID-19. These results information from authorities was not reason indicate a prominent level of wariness enough to consider a source trustworthy. when it comes to rumors and fake What has become clear through the course news while a relatively important of the IEA is that friends and family have level of confidence as well.
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Graph 2. Criteria for Trustworthiness and Trusted Sources
Criteria for trust Trusted sources Foreign Community health sources 34 % 33 % 20 % 7% 6% workers 49 % 23 % 7% 8% 13 % Friends or Same message family 43 % 28 % 12 % 10% 7% from different... 23 % 46 % 19 % 8% 3% International Aid organisations 40 % 31 % 16 % 8% 5% Level of detail 25 % 39 % 21 % 8% 7% of information International Media 34 % 37 % 16 % 8% 5% Formal 22 % 42 % 17 % 9% 10% Government presentation media 18 % 26 % 29 % 16 % 11 %
Information coming 9% Community leaders 15 % 30 % 21 % 13 % 21 % from a... 23 % 34 % 21 % 14 % Religious leaders 15 % 17 % 18 % 17 % 34 % Official information from au... 17 % 29 % 30 % 13 % 10% National government authorities 12 % 25 % 29 % 18 % 17 % Spread widely 17 % 21 % 25 % 18 % 19 % in my community Local government 10% 20 % 26 % 25 % 19 %
Other reasons 5% 10% 26 % 21 % 38 % Other sources 8% 10% 25 % 20 % 37 %
Key feature for trust Important for trust Partially important for trust Absolute trust Good trust Partial trust Very little importance for trust Not important for trust Very little trust No trust at all
Source: Internews 2020
Additionally, the wariness towards rumors sharing information can definitely lead to Communications Needs Assessment con- and the fear of COVID-19 that these the spread of misinformation. ducted by the UNHCR and FRC as part results indicate in combination with the of R4V (Coordination Platform for Refu- high confidence in reproducing and According to the Regional Information and gees and Migrants from Venezuela)
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in November 2019, friends and family were especially important for refugees and mi- The specific community leaders also see the most trusted source of information.32 grants to be able to identify community themselves as responsible for verifying in- Humanitarian organizations are the next leaders to receive accurate and trust- formation relevant to the community and most trusted sources, followed by online worthy information. Both in Tumaco and making sure that people receive unmanip- groups of fellow Venezuelans, the Govern- Ipiales, the community members have ulated information. Most individuals that ment, and institutions. Based on a rapid an important level of trust in community were interviewed stated that they relied on joint need assessment conducted by R4V leaders and rely on them to access infor- community leaders to verify information agencies during the pandemic, in general, mation related to their specific situation. and perceived the information as valid and respondents from within the Venezuelan These results are contrary to the survey acted accordingly. It was also stated that migrant population rate their knowledge results in which community leaders did information should be shared and repro- duced by word of mouth so that valuable on how to protect themselves from the not rank as highly as other stakeholders. information can reach the migrant pop- coronavirus as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. In the In order to provide more precise insights ulation that is not necessarily connect- survey carried out in Ipiales and Tumaco, and conclusions, additional data is re- ed to the internet or phones. Within the only 76% felt always or normally confident quired. This surely encourages commu- LGBTQI+ migrant and community pop- to differentiate between true and false nity approaches and community engage- ulation, community leaders were consid- information related to COVID-19, while ment in the dissemination of COVID-19 ered trustworthy sources (58%) although 73% of participants felt worried about the related information. On the other hand, main sources for COVID-19 related infor- spread of rumors in their communities. many hinted towards a lack of trust in lo- mation were family and friends together cal and national authorities which is rein- with health providers. l Information gathered from qualitative forced by strained relationships between fieldwork revealed an elevated level of Colombians and Venezuelans. With xe- 32 communication in relation to COVID-19 nophobia on the rise, it is not surprising Response for Venezuelans R4V (2020). Infografía de Refugiados y Migrantes Venezonalos. https:// and related topics as discussed among that mistrust is perceived towards the reliefweb.int/report/colombia/infograf-de-refugiados-y- Venezuelan community members. It is dominant society. migrantes-venezolanos-gifmm-nari-o-diciembre-2020
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Graph 3. Drivers and barriers to information Please give your scoring from 1 (not at all) to 5 (always) to the following statements
0 1 2 3 4 5 ty, as demonstrated in the graph below. While more than 70% of the communities I get all the information I need in my language of preference 4.5 are worried about rumors and false infor- mation being spread around COVID-19, Source: Internews 2020 more than 75% considered themselves I feel worried about the spread of rumours in my area 4.1 well or absolutely equipped to detect ru- mors and false information and a higher Not at all I feel confident that i can tell the likeliness of information reproduction. difference between information that is right and information 4.1 Very little 60% of the community shared informa- that is wrong or false Sometimes tion and discussed trustworthiness of in- It is quite common to discuss formation with families and friends. While whether information is useful Normally and trustful in my environment 3.8 reproduction is high, a high percentage (family, community) Always of participants worry about the informa- Average of scale tion circulating. In focus groups, commu- 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% nity members and community leaders indicated they faced difficulties because of the bulk of different information, and delays in information reproduction and rumors circulating in WhatsApp groups. verification. Information retrieved from 5.2 TRANSMISSION When it comes to actual information re- organizations, such as IOM, UNHCR and efugees and migrants have not- production, it is noticeably clear that Doctors without Borders is considered ed that COVID-19-related in- community leaders are those responsible trustworthy and helpful. Information re- formation is direct. Many with for analyzing and verifying information. ceived from larger humanitarian organi- internet access commented on Nevertheless, sharing and reproduction zations was not questioned as much with R l considerable amounts of information and is also carried out among the communi- communities more prone to sharing.
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5.3 INFLUENCE platforms for information dissemination, information that is precise and concrete n Ipiales and Tumaco, all those spo- The shift to online ken with during the focus group were using localized language across stake- fully aware of how to practice social platforms and information holders is a key driver. The manner in distancing and wash hands to avoid dissemination has further which messages are conveyed to the Igetting COVID-19. Health protocols are public is critical to capture the attention delivered in a pervasive manner by all isolated many among and understanding of those to which humanitarian organizations, the national the message is directed. government, social media, media net- these population groups works and community members. without consistent access to Some also mentioned that the shift In focus groups, participants stated to online platforms and information that information related to COVID-19 internet. dissemination has further isolated many was spread faster through WhatsApp among these population groups without groups among the Venezuelan popula- consistent access to internet. Although tion. While everyone understood how to the trust in humanitarian organizations how to confront these monumental chal- follow lockdown guidelines and social lenges of survival. While participants ac- is high, Venezuelan refugees and distancing measures, many preferred migrants did not trust the COVID-19 to avoid hospitals. Social distancing knowledged the current restrictions due tests 100%. This is especially the case policies and an economic downturn for to the pandemic, they voiced their de- many has translated into food insecu- spair when receiving constant updates in Tumaco where information provided rity, poverty, and homelessness amid on the situation in Colombia due to the by health facilities and humanitarian COVID-19. In focus groups, participants impact these restrictions have. While organizations is not considered sufficient emphasized their dire situations and there is a wide array of online and offline by communities. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 45 NARIÑO COLOMBIA V. INFORMATION DYNAMICS
Source: Internews 2020
Graph 4. Identifying rumors and fake news % who stated it as true % who stated it as rumour 5.4 IMPACT ON Covid-19 is a 63% virus that was developed KNOWLEDGE, in a lab in China 37% ATTITUDES, AND The vaccine will 83% kill more people PRACTICE than the virus 17% n Nariño, there have been consistent New 5G digital mobile network 73% and repetitive lockdowns due to the technologies are being used RUMOR RUMOR to spread Covid-19 27% COVID-19 outbreak with the region STATEMENTS entering into high contagion risks. Covid-19 affects more 90% Colombians than IWhile fieldwork has indicated to more Venezuelans 10% general understanding of compliance of Drinking bleach will 95% health protocols, mask-wearing and so- kill Covid-19 if I am infected 5% cial distancing, there are significant gaps in how information is changing people’s beliefs and behavior around the virus. More than 82% of survey respondents are aware of preventative measures in Covid-19 is a virus that can be transmitted from 8% their daily life to avoid COVID-19 infec- person to person through tion, including frequently washing hands droplets of fluid 92% with soap and practicing personal hy-
CORRECT CORRECT Covid-19 can be controlled 16%
STATEMENTS through physical distancing giene. 92% are aware of the necessity of and wearing masks 84% staying indoors, avoiding going out un- less necessary, and physical distancing when outside. Despite high levels of
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awareness, 50% of the informants stated that they changed and adapted their be- While the communities havior after receiving COVID-19 related information while the other half don’t feel acknowledge the that they have changed their behavior af- existence of the virus, ter receiving COVID-19 related informa- tion. Community members in Tumaco are there is a general less inclined to follow preventative mea- disbelief whether sures because the general population does not comply with social distancing or lockdown measures prevention practices, such as wearing a and existing numbers face mask. People also find discomfort in of infected people wearing face masks in hot weather or are not wearing them properly. reflect a daily reality.
In both Tumaco and Ipiales, rumors that spread within the community, by word- edies can also ‘do the trick.’ of-mouth and social media, result in While the communities ac- misperceptions that create social tension knowledge the existence of and lead to the practicing of harmful be- the virus, there is a general haviors. Refugee and migrant communi- disbelief whether lockdown ties, for example, voiced their concerns of measures and existing num- going to hospitals if symptoms surfaced, bers of infected people reflect claiming that home and traditional rem- a daily reality. l
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6.1 NATIONAL 5. Focusing programs on high impact services. Although well intended mea- points sures were initiated on behalf of the gov- COVID-19 RESPONSE ernment, they have not resulted in expect- PLAN 6. Greater coordination and information ed effects for a number of reasons, such as n April 2020, as a response to poor communication strategies on health COVID-19, the Colombian govern- Point 6 includes the provision of platforms rights, legal risks, fear around deportation ment released a 6-point plan to care to share available service channels so that and arrest, and stigma around migration for refugees and migrants during the refugees and migrants can find informa- and COVID-19 in general. The Colombian Ipandemic which focused on groups in 34 government has a Twitter account that is tion and seek care. The Colombian gov- the most vulnerable situations and fol- ernment has established a platform that used for prevention information concern- ing COVID-19 and to report cases. There is lows guidelines from international orga- offers available services for refugees and also a COVID-19 website that tracks cases nizations, including UNHCR, IOM, WHO migrants, especially useful in the border re- throughout the country and offers infor- and the OHCHR33 and included the fol- gion. There are several hotlines for different mation around rumors that are circulating, lowing points: international organizations and humanitar- actions, questions, and feedback.36 Con- ian organizations with links on information flicting information between local and gov- 1. Responsible and humane management 35 to refugee and migrant needs. In addi- ernment information related to COVID-19 of the border tion, multiple measures were announced has been mentioned both by humanitarian to expand Venezuelans’ access to health organizations as well as CSOs. 2. Guaranteed access to health services insurance and ensure that Venezuelans, like Colombians, have access to COVID-19 Following the declaration of a state of 3. Adaptation of cooperation programs testing and treatment. In practice, the real- emergency due to the COVID-19 pan- for the care of migrants ity looks quite different with many Venezu- demic and the inherent impacts of the elans with irregular migration status expe- crisis, a COVID-19 Response Plan togeth- 4. Attention to the migrant population riencing exclusion from accessing health er with the Humanitarian Country
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Team (HCT) and the Inter-Agency Mixed disproportionate and discriminatory migrants and allows migrants to register Migration Flows Group (GIFMM) was cre- impacts on marginalized groups, including with the Colombian government to stay in ated to identify potential risks related to migrants, refugees and LGBTQI+ persons. the country for 10 years and work legally. l COVID-19. In the context of the COVID-19 According to the GIFMM, in October 2020 33 crisis, threats and attacks against humani- there were 14,317 Venezuelan migrants in Government of Colombia (2020). Acciones tomadas por el Gobierno. https://coronaviruscolombia.gov.co/ tarian organizations and medical missions Nariño.39 The uncontrolled humanitarian Covid19/acciones-del-gobierno.html are posing an additional access challenge, crisis because of the closure of the border 34Government of Colombia (2020). Acciones tomadas por el Gobierno. https://coronaviruscolombia.gov.co/ as armed groups use the crisis to exert left thousands of migrants “trapped” Covid19/acciones-del-gobierno.html 37 in Colombia, many of whom were living territorial and social control leading to 35Estoy en la frontera (2020). Estoy en la Frontera. higher numbers of victims of confinement, in the streets or in improvised and https://estoyenlafrontera.com/ forced displacement, and reduced human- overcrowded shelters, making it difficult 36Ministry of Health (2020). COVID-19. https:// itarian access.38 Humanitarian agencies to maintain social distancing standards d2jsqrio60m94k.cloudfront.net/ 37OCHA (2020, August 27). Colombia. Impacto have shifted their response to refugees and constant washing of hands. These Humanitario en Nariño. Informe de Situación No. 1 and migrants to adapt to the COVID-19 shelters on streets and highways have (27/08/2020). https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb. int/files/resources/Colombia%20-%20Impacto%20 response, sending aid and equipment to become an object of discrimination and Humanitario%20en%20Nariño%20-%20Informe%20 local health services, working with the stigmatization. According to the GIFMM, de%20Situación%20No.%2001%20%2827-08- 2020%29.pdf Regional Health Institute (ITS), increasing only 69 migrants and refugees have been 38HTC (2020). Covid-19 Response Plan. Summary. provision of houses to enable safer lock- diagnosed as positive with COVID-19 in https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www. down conditions, and providing personal the Nariño region.40 Currently, lockdowns humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/ covid-19_response_plan_-_summary.pdf protective equipment and hygiene items. and curfews have returned with a spike in 39GIFMM (2020b, October). Nariño Situación COVID-19 COVID-19 deaths in Colombia. President (Octubre 2020). https://reliefweb.int/report/olombia/ The public health crisis caused by Ivan Duque recently announced the new nari-o-situaci-n-covid-19-octubre-2020 40 COVID-19 makes clear that many permit EPTV that grants temporary legal GIFMM (2020b, October). Nariño Situación COVID-19 (Octubre 2020). https://reliefweb.int/report/olombia/ of the measures implemented have status to more than 1.7 million Venezuelan nari-o-situaci-n-covid-19-octubre-2020
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6.2 HUMANITARIAN partner together with local actors in the response to COVID-19. CSOs and NGOs CSOs and NGOs play a key ACTORS ACTIVE ON play a key role in bridging the gap between role in bridging the gap COVID RESPONSE international and national actors. between international t an international level, the leading humanitarian actors are A Regional Refugee and Migrant Re- and national actors. the United Nations Office for the sponse Plan (RMRP) has been developed Coordination of Humanitarian to support and complement national au- AAffairs (OCHA) with sub offices in the thorities and responses in Latin America ments. The GIFMM has also supported Nariño region. Other leading actors are and the Caribbean alongside the regional the national and local governments on the United Nations High Commissioner efforts of the government to respond to the progressive expansion of services in the influx of refugees and migrants in Co- for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Health territories with more limited resources. lombia. The 2020 response involves a lon- Organization (WHO), the International ger-term, planned approach that includes Federation of the Red Cross and Red The Local GIFMM Coordination Team but is not limited to immediate assistance Crescent Societies (IFRC), Médecins of Nariño and the Thematic Protection and protection. It should consider activi- Sans Frontiéres (MSF), the Norwegian ties that bridge the gap between the hu- Group in Nariño together with local au- Refugee Council, Save the Children, manitarian emergency response and lon- thorities have offered a first humanitarian the Jesuit Service for Refugees, the ger-term perspective to build resilience response as well as accompaniment to International Organization for Migration at the individual level and the institutional several municipalities along the Pacific (IOM), Heartland Alliance International, level.41 The GIFMM works together with Coast. They assist in monitoring armed the United Nations Children’s Fund the Government of Colombia and is com- conflict and armed violence, humanitar- (UNICEF), Pastoral Social, Acción posed of 56 members at the national lev- ian emergencies, and human rights vio- Contra el Hambre and the World Food el. It has expanded its network of local lations. Both groups also assist in mon- Programme (WFP). These organizations coordination platforms to cover 11 depart- itoring mobility restrictions and
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confinement which has intensified with ious necessities, such as shelter, food, offered 2,476 humanitarian consultations COVID-19 and the control of territory. The medical support, and COVID-19 tests. between March and August of 2020 that Ministry for Public Health (MoPH) offers The majority of LGBTQI+ people amid focused on humanitarian support, psy- medical assistance to migrants and refu- COVID-19 have turned to CSOs (civil so- chosocial support, HIV/AIDS consulta- gees as part of a plan with the IOM, where ciety organizations) for help and support tions, and judicial consultations. Support emergency relief and protective measures (in its majority humanitarian) because from local governments was character- are implemented to safeguard against they do not feel safe otherwise. This find- ized by LGBTQI+ persons as insufficient the spread of the disease. This especial- 42 ing emphasizes the need to build stron- and, in some cases, non-existent. l ly applies to the border region between ger linkages with local respected CSOs Ecuador and Colombia. The Government when communicating to LGBTQI+ mi- 41GIFMM (2020a). Refugees and Migrants Response has set up a website that includes differ- grant and refugees, which is currently not Plan 2020. Pp 67-86. https://reliefweb.int/report/ ent categories of information and recom- olombia/rmrp-2020-regional-refugee-and-migrant- the case. A report by Caribe Afirmativo (a response-plan-refugees-and-migrants-0 mendations related to COVID-19. It also significant CSO that advocates for equal 42OHCHR (2020, May 17). COVID-19: The suffering offers phone numbers for psychosocial rights for the LGBTQI+ community, doc- and resilience of LGBT persons must be visible support as well as a list of different hu- and inform the actions of States. https://www. uments cases of abuse, and trains police ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews. manitarian organizations providing var- and policy officials on human rights) has aspx?LangID=E&NewsID=25884
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6.3 RISK UNHCR, IOM, different UN agencies, international organizations, donors, COMMUNICATION financial institutions, and civil society AND COMMUNITY to create a coordinated response to ENGAGEMENT COVID-19. Varied materials are being NHCR and its partners have compiled to identify gaps and needs and been developing alternative avoid duplication in recommendations. ways of communicating with Different sectors of the R4V focus on communities (CwC – engaging guidance, resources, and materials to support national platforms. Uwith communities in a two-directional manner by collecting feedback from The WHO and national authorities’ communities in Colombia). A regional have disseminated messages adapted information and communication needs to different formats that are more assessment helps to identify information accessible to communities. The World and communication needs of refugees Health Organization and Pan American and migrants as well as prioritize main Health Organization (WHO/PAHO) channels for information dissemination messages have been disseminated as and access to communities. part of national campaigns such as Somos Panas. Social flyers have been The Regional Interagency Coordination developed in Colombia to inform Platform for Refugees and Migrants Venezuelan communities about decision from Venezuela (R4V) includes and service provision modalities
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offered by UNHCR and are shared accessing information was difficult to through WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, impossible. and Instagram, among others. The assessment indicates Though still in pilot phase, the research Community networks and leaders, team has taken a first step towards a such as Venezuelan associations, insufficient communication network mapping assessment of the continue to engage with communities mechanisms between the humanitarian sector asking informants through WhatsApp and mobile about the main nodes of interaction 43 phone communication. UNHCR has different stakeholders to during the COVID-19 pandemic. organized virtual focus groups with According to the responses provided ensure precise and direct in the interviews and reflected in the community members to define the table below humanitarian organizations’ best ways to disseminate information, information is provided to main nodes of interaction are peer raise awareness and produce relevant community members. international organizations and public materials. It is worth noting, however, bodies. As demonstrated in the graph that the very communities at the core below, the assessment indicates of the programming strategies are not insufficient communication mechanisms invited to participate in the decision- Participants in focus groups explicitly between the different stakeholders to making processes that directly impact lacked communication mechanisms ensure precise and direct information the course of their lives. When it with humanitarian organizations and is provided to community members. comes to community engagement and often times were not sure what While organizations maintain strong inclusion, humanitarian organizations stakeholder to turn to for specific interaction levels with other humani- could take the extra step to actively needs. For people who reside in or who tarian organizations, community mem- include migrants and refugees in are passing through remote areas and bers and media outlets are left out of the decisions made about their lives. rely solely on community radio stations, conversation.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 53 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND INFORMATION
Table 4. Humanitarian organisations principal interaction nodes AVG HUMANITARIAN
UN agencies INTERNATIONAL 5.00 Multilateral organisations (other than UN) INTERNATIONAL 5.00 INTENSITY Countries OF INTERACTION (other States donors) INTERNATIONAL 4.00 Other international INTERNATIONAL 5.00 Ministry of information/ Communication NATIONAL 4.50 The accuracy of the assessment hinges on Ministry of Health NATIONAL 5.00 the number of respondents to the survey Ministry of Disaster NATIONAL 4.00 and so far, no inference from the findings Management (or similar) Other Ministries can be applied to the whole humanitarian or executive bodies NATIONAL 2.00 sector. Nonetheless, it is so far truly Regional/local level authorities NATIONAL 5.00 relevant how two local organizations do not refer to key influential stakeholders Media regulatory authorities NATIONAL 1.00 to be in the loop of their COVID-19 Other public bodies NATIONAL 1.00 information response. This demonstrates Community media representatives MEDIA 2.50 the need for bridging these two sectors in Media associations MEDIA 2.00 the regions and boosting links to media that has been designated as potential Public media MEDIA 3.50 trusted influencers of the communities. l Commercial media MEDIA 3.00
Community leaders CIVIL SOCIETY 3.00
43 Network mapping exercise included an interlocuter Religious leaders CIVIL SOCIETY 1.00 survey based in two questions on the degree of Online platforms (private sector) interaction and the type of interaction. The research – search engines CIVIL SOCIETY 4.00 implemented 3 of these surveys. Thus, this first step Key constituencies is considered as a pilot test that shall be further (women, youth) CIVIL SOCIETY 1.50 developed in the following IEA including a thorough assessment of all network mapping features and Other private CIVIL SOCIETY 1.00 covering a wide range of representative stakeholders Source: Internews 2020 from all key sectors.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 54 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND INFORMATION
Figure 2. Visual COVID 19 stakeholder map of humanitarian organisations (nodes with scored interaction over 3 in a scale from 1 to 5)
Source: Internews 2020
RESPONDENT INTERNATIONAL NATIONAL MEDIA CIVIL SOCIETY
Community leaders Other Key constituencies Caritas (women, youth) Ministry International of Health Community media representatives
Ministry of information / Regional/ Countries Communication (other States local level authorities donors) Religious Multilateral leaders organisations Other public (other than UN) bodies Ministry of Disaster Management (or similar)
Public Media media Nariño regulatory Online platforme (private authorities sector) -search engines, social media platform
Un agencies Media Other Ministries Other associations of executive Commercial private bodies media
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 55 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND INFORMATION
It is vital to respond to the ‘infodemic’ that exacerbates discrimination and affects 6.4 RUMOR TRACKING tions have feedback platforms. There is no coordinated or centralized rumor tracking access to services and AND COMMUNITY or community feedback mechanism for FEEDBACK humanitarian organizations and the gov- basic assistance for the MECHANISMS ernment response to COVID-19. Interviews communities in vulnerable greater risk for populations indicate concerns from humanitarian or- in vulnerable situations is the ganizations about inconsistencies from situations. risk of becoming susceptible the government in relation to COVID-19 to misinformation and fake information and a lack of prioritization in the roll-out of the Regional Information Aadvertisements of assistance. In the communication strategies developed and and Communication Needs Assessment case of Nariño, it is vital to respond carried out by humanitarian organizations in Nariño. The interagency working group to the ‘infodemic’ that exacerbates and the government. FEDEMEDIOS car- co-led by UNICEF and the IFRC was discrimination and affects access to ries out hourly COVID-19 related broad- created to provide regional coordination services and basic assistance for the casts for the community, allowing com- on CwC, outreach, and engagement communities in vulnerabile situations. munity members to call and ask questions. initiatives to strengthen Accountability to While the broadcast allows for audience Affected Populations (AAP) practices at Some humanitarian organizations have engagement and participation, it is cer- the inter-agency level. The R4V promotes community feedback mechanisms inte- tainly not sufficient to cover all questions increased use of WhatsApp and Facebook grated into their programs and conduct lis- and concerns from around Nariño, much groups, online pages, and apps with the tening activities to understand community less the entire country. view to reduce top-down approaches needs and priorities. These are not main- from humanitarian organizations and streamed or shared among all humanitar- Within in the framework of the R4V, increase digital literacy among individuals ian organizations in Nariño and interviews the Communicating with Communities so they can ‘fact check’ and build trust in reveal that not all humanitarian organiza- (CwC) Working Group has been key in particular information sources. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 56 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND INFORMATION
6.5 IDENTIFIED GAPS not considering community radio and sessments with limited representation. the pervasive reach they have in more In rural areas, there is little information IN INFORMATION remote areas in Nariño and among available about the impact of govern- NEEDS AND distinct groups in society. ment measures, particularly regard- PROGRAMMING ing the supply of essential goods. In here are obstacles to Another notable concern is the topic general, access to public services for documentation, census, around so-called protection spaces the LGBTQI+ community is affected and registration of affected due to interplay between hostilities by discrimination and stigma. During communities due to the and the pandemic. In the first trimester the COVID-19 pandemic, Venezuelan LGBTQI+ persons have been confront- Tlimited capacity of the institutional of 2020, over 12,000 people have been displaced and more than 43,200 ed with effects of double discrimina- response and complementary actions people have experienced confinement tion, first due to their migration status in Nariño. Internal displacement is at the hands of armed groups.45 Armed and second due to their sexual orien- under-registered, and the extent and groups are exercising their control on tation and gender identity. In Ipiales for nature of confinement are difficult to communities, forcing confinement or example, LGBTQI+ migrants reported 44 document, quantify and characterize. displacement, threatening human situations of discrimination in shelters The response to affected populations rights defenders, and reducing huma- administered by Pastoral Social, surely is difficult and delayed due to lack of nitarian access. leading to greater situations of exclu- information of the situation in many areas sion and possible avoidance of shelters with armed group presence. There is a There is currently no publicly available, on behalf of members of the LGBTQI+ significant lack of coordination between comprehensive, cross-departmental migrant community. When speaking community media and humanitarian multi-sector needs assessment that is to Venezuelan led associations in both organizations, with the latter using representative of the entire population Tumaco and Ipiales, humanitarian aid its own communication channels to which means that all conclusions drawn and support was not considered suffi- distribute relevant information, but are solely based on smaller-scale as- cient. While humanitarian support
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 57 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VI. HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND INFORMATION
is widespread with several organiza- tions present and involved in emergen- cy relief both in Tumaco and Ipiales, migrant and refugee clearly stated their lack of sufficient support. Migrants and refugees in Tumaco complained about a lack of communication with the orga- nizations, not knowing who to turn to when in doubt and despair. Generally, there was a lack of knowledge on what kind of relief support exists in the city and the organizations responsible for the distribution and information sup- ply. In addition, the IOM did not involve itself in communication campaigns to migrants although the organization is response to COVID-19. The decree was Venezuelans into Colombian society but well respected and has a wide array of announced on March 24, 2020, but medical also supporting the already under-staffed medical system in Colombia. l relief programs tailored to the migrant professional associations protested the and refugee community. decree, and it was not implemented. The government’s commitment to validate 44IDMC (2020). Colombia. Country Information. https:// The government has also considered medical cre-dentials for Venezuelans www.internal-displacement.org/countries/olombia accelerating degree validation of to work as doctors and nurses can be 45HTC (2020). Covid-19 Response Plan. Summary. https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www. Venezuelans with medical backgrounds considered a positive and productive humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/ which could be a crucial step in the step towards not only integrating covid-19_response_plan_-_summary.pdf
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 58 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS – Towards a healthier information ecosystem
7.1 KEY FINDINGS ON is not considered a barrier for Venezuelan barrier as many refugees and migrants do THE INFORMATION refugees and migrants. 100% of the not have the economic resources to buy participants in surveys and focus groups internet packages regularly and therefore LANDSCAPE AND receive information in their language of rely on WIFI access points. COMMUNITIES’ preference. Additional languages should INFORMATION be considered when working with extra- n The Ministry for Information and Com- PRACTICES regional migrants. munications Technology is strengthening Foundations to build upon connectivity in the department of Nariño. n Social media is widely used by migrants Tech companies and together with the to improve information Red Cross have launched a platform with ecosystems in Nariño and allows for rapid information distribution of government and media content. Costs relevant information for Spanish speak- n Information in language of preference to access social media, however, remain a ing migrants in Nariño.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 59 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
n Community leaders are in an influential Areas of improvement n LGBTQI+ migrants felt that they were position and able to connect people within the information disproportionately affected by lack of within the community and provide a ecosystem in Nariño COVID-19 related information and focal point when remote management is health rights, resulting in the further n COVID-19 precautions do not take necessary. Training community leaders marginalization of those already living in into account livelihood and shelter and setting up guidelines on what ethical vulnerable situations. situations of refugees and migrants journalism and social responsibility imply where social distancing and washing will equip community leaders with tools n Information gaps are partly a result of hands is not always possible. COVID-19 to disseminate as well as verify precise organizations not strategically including communications responses must adapt information for communities. radios as part of the communication and to these situations and offer solutions community engagement strategy. As radio in alignment with the real situation n High trust is registered in international stations are considered trustworthy infor- humanitarian support, friends and family, that refugees, and migrants are con- mation sources, linkages between stake- international media and community health fronted with. Campaigns need to be holders need to be further strengthened. workers. As radio stations are widely strengthened among media platforms accepted among community members and humanitarian organizations in order n Humanitarian organizations only focus and programs have begun development, to guarantee information on distribution on Spanish speaking migrants excluding linkages between media platforms and centers is reproduced in a timely manner. migrants that speak other languages, organizations should be encouraged for causing them to face more barriers in wider information dissemination. n Media journalists remain under-ca- accessing information. pacitated in trainings and underfinanced n LGBTQI+ migrant and refugee commu- when it comes to trainings and content n Refugees and migrants face challenges nities don’t feel that they have adequate production on COVID-19 related content while accessing WIF, which they noted as access to health rights and information for refugees and migrants in vulnerable a significant barrier to receiving information around COVID-19. situations. related to their situation and their needs.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 60 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Opportunities to bridge information gaps and address health equity n Implement and develop of information strategies and adapt those strategies to different migrant profiles (regular, irreg- ular, on the move, population interested in becoming residents) in order to bridge gaps in information needs. The lack of media outlets that cater exclusively to migrants offers space for improvement. n Fund and support migrants and refugees to develop media developed for migrants using trusted and preferred platforms, such as community radios and Whatsapp groups. strategies available to contain the spread imposing of regulations amid COVID-19 of COVID-19. Access to health access and creates fear and uncertainty among n Information and communication tech- equality is the most pressing topic that civilians, refugees, and migrants in vul- nologies and platforms have the potential migrants are worried about. nerable situations and increases barriers to play a crucial role in helping migrant to accessing information on topics that and refugee populations gain access to are relevant as confinement is imposed. quality information on how to navigate the Threats to the information health system, how to obtain information ecosystem in Nariño n COVID-19 is posing threats to the on accessing healthcare services, and n The presence of armed groups and the LGBTQI+ movement-building and
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 61 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
organizational survival. There is a fear that work will be set back by years because activities can no longer be implemented which result in not meeting donor expectations. However, LGBTQI+ LGBTQI+ organizations are combatting misinformation and organizations continue combatting mis- lack of coverage around LGBTQI+ rights by collaborating information and the lack of coverage of together with Internews and journalists in the region to offer LGBTQI+ rights by collaborating with Internews and journalists in the region to trainings of responsible journalism on LGBTQI+ migrant and offer trainings for responsible journalism refugee rights. on LGBTQI+ migrant and refugee rights. n Extra-regional migrants face language barriers when trying to access COVID-19 on the political stage as well as a lack of rampant. According to surveys, 1/5 information and access information providing solutions for these particular of Venezuelan refugees and migrants related to shelters and migration routes. groups of vulnerability. Bridging the gap believe that vaccines will kill more peo- While humanitarian organizations are between Venezuelan communities and ple than COVID-19 itself. Surveys also aware of the presence of extra-regional the host society is of great importance, demonstrate that physical distancing migrants, there are no programs or especially because of the xenophobic and masks are not considered measures projects that directly tackle information needs and language barriers. discourses, exploitation, human rights to prevent the virus among 16% of par- abuses and violence that the refugee ticipants. Fears around vaccines is not n Low trust is registered in national and and migrant community encounters. novel but requires the emphasis on en- local government entities which can be gagement, understanding and respond- traced back to inconsistent messages n Rumors and misconceptions are still ing to the beliefs behind rumors. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 62 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.2 KEY FINDINGS ON relevant information for migrants in the and refugees in Colombia. border region. The Red Cross is widely HUMANITARIAN accepted among migrant communities n Communication with municipalities, RESPONSE AND and as a trusted source and can support government bodies and humanitarian INFORMATION bridging the gap of information needs. organizations is not carried out in a DYNAMICS timely manner which delays assistance for communities in vulnerable situations. Foundations for the Significant challenges to humanitarian responses improvement of the n A large population of Venezuelans may in Nariño humanitarian response fall through the cracks of public health n Key messages from the WHO n Reality of services provided to surveillance due to their undocumented and national authorities should be migrants and refugees differs from status and fear of discrimination as adapted to more accessible formats what humanitarian organizations have irregular migrants. Access to health for communities. High levels of trust in portrayed indicating there are definite rights is a perceived information gap on humanitarian organizations and low gaps in information. Migrants and refugees behalf of the community. levels of trust in authorities mean that emphasized lack of communication with humanitarian organizations need to several organizations on-site as well as n Links between humanitarian actors and ensure that the information they provide discriminatory practices that discourage community media platforms are not strong. is relevant, up to date and contextualized. those most in need from seeking help This is a clear gap of communication and support. The level of high trust and information dissemination to wider n Migration hotlines exist for migrants in humanitarian organizations can be audiences. on the border and are necessary so understood through the lens of high that migrants and refugees can access distrust towards government bodies and n There is a lack of data base sharing of different information sources to receive local governments. The idea that foreign information about humanitarian support direct support and information on how entities can provide sufficient support and emergency relief. Data is collected to navigate their situations. to migrants can stem from xenophobic by organizations and is not shared with tendencies on behalf of the host society the migrant community. Data sharing n The Red Cross launched a platform with and the general exclusion of migrants mechanisms are not sufficiently present.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 63 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Opportunities for mainstream channels. armed groups and food insecurity will humanitarian stakeholders rise. These factors result in higher levels to adequately address the Threats to the implementation of misinformation as information access is situation of migrants amid of rapid responses and strongly limited. COVID-19 misinformation in Nariño n Protection issues related to sexual and n Set refugee and migrant communities n Measures restricting movement gender-based violence are more likely if in vulnerable situations as the focus and currently do not protection for trans and there is an expansion of armed groups and forefront of projects to directly engage with gender non-conforming persons. Law COVID-19. them about needs and gaps in information enforcement officials should be instructed and services. and trained not to discriminate against this n The circulation of COVID-19 related population as discrimination and stigma rumors that fuel xenophobic tendencies, n Community media is widely accepted and impact how members of the LGBTQI+ question the reality of the virus and allows for future creative and alternative community access information and result challenge the reach of information for the information campaigns to reach populations in misinformation. migrant community. in marginalized and vulnerable situations. n Dire need for information puts migrants n LGBTQI+ persons are subject to n The Colombian government’s commit- and refugees at risk of being targeted discrimination or fear retribution for seeking ment to integrate Venezuelan health pro- by misinformation about humanitarian healthcare. Lack of access to health services fessionals in the response to COVID-19 assistance, government measures or health- imply a heightened risk due to lack of HIV/ by validating medical credentials is related measures in relation to COIVID-19. AIDS medication and hormones. There have an important opportunity. It will serve been cases in which LGBTQI+ migrants as a representative step towards n Movement restrictions for communities have been declined entry into shelters due to integrating Venezuelan professionals in Colombia mean little or no access their sexual orientation, gender identity and into the workforce and encourage more to necessities, such as health facilities, expression. These specific barriers exclude inclusion of the migrant population into education, crops, and public transport. the LGBTQI+ community from receiving the host society. It can also impact the Decrease in or limited presence of support and threatens the community in inclusion of migrant-related information into humanitarian actors due to presence of healthcare delivery and social security. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 64 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.3 SUMMARY OF well as communicating about the virus. Risk Communication Humanitarian organizations need to adapt RECOMMENDATIONS n Create mechanisms and networks responses based on what communities together with social media platforms, Community Participation hear, including misinformation and such as Facebook as it is a widely and Engagement closing the feedback loop. used platform among the refugee and n Community-based organizations migrant community. Platforms such as must be involved in the design and n Community leaders and other Facebook can partner with humanitarian implementation of policies and programs organizations to target migrant population influential figures should speak out responding to this public health users and disseminate information against stigmatization and hate speech emergency, to ensure that the needs related to COVID-19 as well as offer of different populations are sufficiently directed at the LGBTQI+ people in the spaces to influencers and groups share considered and that measures will not context of the pandemic. and reproduce information. exacerbate already existing inequalities and marginalization. The inclusion of n Ensure that migrants and refugees n Create and promote listening, engaging LGBTQI+ migrant communities is critical have knowledge of free WIFI networks and sharing perception data among to the success of the interventions. available to them to potentiate higher humanitarian organizations and media information access. Develop campaigns platforms to disseminate information and n Two-way communication. Community incorporate feedback. The information around WIFI access points that directly members mentioned many times that gaps related especially to COVID-19, target migrant communities and work they wanted to share knowledge and employment and access to medical aid communicate with each other as well together with humanitarian organizations, indicate and emphasize the importance as stakeholders. Ensure that there is migration offices and community radios of humanitarian organizations and media space to listen to concerns, feedback, to offer information on the location of the platforms/local journalists working to- myths, and rumors about COVID-19 as WIFI networks. gether on information responses.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 65 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
n Extra-regional migrants and refugees on the move towards North America require strategic information access points. This group does not intend to stay anywhere for longer than necessary making the flow of COVID-19 information difficult. n Share narratives of those who have had COVID-19 to amplify the specific experiences of those who have been affected by COVID-19. Marginalization and stigma around those who are or have been infected detracts from promotion about the importance of prevention, lifesaving actions and treatment. Humanitarian Service Provision n Humanitarian organizations need to adopt measures that guarantee same access possibilities for LGBTQI+ felt that they weren’t as well informed n Shelters, support services and other persons to public health services, around housing, livelihoods and measures to address gender-based safety, and assistance as there are LGBTQI+ inclusion, meaning that violence during the COVID-19 pandemic clear information gaps related to communication around these topics should take steps to include the these topics. Migrants and refugees need to be strategized. LGBTQI+ population.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 66 NARIÑO COLOMBIA VII. KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Inclusion can bridge the gap n It is necessary to provide support to civil between stakeholders and n Community radios offer opportunities at society associations that offer assistance improve communication a regional level to incorporate participato- that humanitarian organizations have not ry narratives of local life into information been able to offer, such as psychosocial mechanisms in the region at dissemination. They require strengthening support, networking, information on with other stakeholders, especially human- transportation routes, access to health- a decision-making level. itarian organizations to cater to demands care services, COVID-19 restrictions, for trustworthy and credible information. and while doing so, strengthen mobility justice. that commit to the migrant population n Health rights are not being adequate- and offer trainings for presenters and ly transmitted and there is a large gap in n There is a significant lack of coordination journalists on responsible reporting on access to information about COVID-19. between community media and huma- migrant issues. Many members of migrant communities nitarian organizations, with the latter are not fully equipped with information on using its own communication channels n Community-based organizations prevention of the virus and how to imple- to distribute relevant information without must be involved in the design and ment safety protocols. considering community radio and the implementation of policies and programs pervasive reach it has in more remote responding to this public health n Intensify efforts of stakeholder mapping areas in Nariño and among distinct emergency, to ensure that the needs and work with existing community groups in society. Media financing issues of different populations are sufficiently leadership and community radios to pass must be addressed and providers that are considered and that measures will not on COVID-19 related information as people widely accepted by migrants to create exacerbate already existing inequalities are more likely to follow the example of programming for and by migrants should and marginalization. The inclusion can leaders and trusted platforms. Save the be supported. bridge the gap between stakeholders and Children has created a platform called improve communication mechanisms in “Children’s MIRA” to report on COVID-19 n Support funding for organizations the region at a decision-making level. from a children’s perspective. l
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 67 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS
Information Ecosystems during COVID-19 thanks to Internews colleagues Irene nal stages through publication and feed- Trust, influence and connectivity for peo- Scott, Justin Auciello, Julie Langelier back phases. Nadia Asendorf (Global ple on the move in Nariño, Colombia was and Stijn Aelbers for their reviews and Data Analyst) supported in the analysis funded by a grant from USAID’s Bureau advice along the way. and visualization of the quantitative data. for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to support the Internews’ Rooted in Trust Natalie Tines (Internews, Research Nektaria Malousari created the graphic Project. Coordinator) is the Research Lead for design, as well as formatted the report. Rooted in Trust Colombia and the author Ganaëlle Tilly created the sketches of First and foremost, we would like to ac- of the report. Claudia Julieta Duque the report. knowledge our partner organizations, (Rooted in Trust Project Lead) led the Caribe Afirmativo and Fedemedios baseline drafts and provided research Photo Credits – Through a small grants without whom this work would not have support, guidance and continuous feed- program, the Rooted in Trust project sup- been possible. We extend our gratitude to back during the phases of the IEA report ported the work of documentary photog- Radio Internacional and Stereo Tuma- writing. Gabriela Christie (Program Of- rapher and journalist Gerald Bermúdez co who, together with Caribe Afirmati- ficer) reviewed, edited and supported vo, conducted the quantitative fieldwork the finalization of the report. Joaquin de in Colombia, examining migration on the and provided support in qualitative field- la Concha (Internews, Global Monitor- Colombia-Ecuador border. All of the ac- work during the pandemic. We would ing, Evaluation, Research, and Learning knowledgements for pictures go out to like to extend further gratitude to Javier Lead) designed the visualizations and him. Medina (Casa del Migrante) and Wil- guided the writing of the first two drafts. son Castañeda (Director of Caribe Afir- Pierrick Judeaux (Internews, Global Disclaimer: mativo) for their contributions as expert Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and The content of this report does not nec- panelists and their guidance through Security Operations) oversaw the last essarily reflect the views of Internews or the three draft phases of the IEA. Many phase of the draft and the report in its fi- any of its funders.
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 68 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ANNEXES
BIBLIOGRAPHY Bock. (2020). Colombia. Corruption, censor- Government of Colombia. (2020). Acciones ACAPS Risk Analysis. (2020, March). Cri- ship, and bullet points for ethical journalism. tomadas por el Gobierno. Retrieved from sis in Sight. Global Risk Analysis. Colom- Retrieved from https://ethicaljournalismnet- https://coronaviruscolombia.gov.co/Covid19/ bia. Retrieved from https://www.acaps.org/ work.org/resources/publications/untold-sto- acciones/acciones-de-migrantes.html sites/acaps/files/products/files/20200325_ ries/48olombia acaps_global_risk_analysis_march_2020_0. Data Reportal. (2020). Digital 2020: Colombia. pdf Caribe Afirmativo. (2020, September 14). Se- Retrieved from https://datareportal.com/re- gundo informe sobre la respuesta de atención ports/digital-2020-colombia?rq=48olombia Acosta, Sanchez Leon, and Zia. (2020). Con- humanitaria de Caribe Afirmativo hacía las fronting COVID 19 in Colombia. Dejusticia, personas LGBTI afectadas por el COVID-19. Deutsche Welle. (2019). Fighting back against Law Justice and Society. Retrieved from Retrieved from https://caribeafirmativo. an online culture of violence targeting Wom- https://www.dejusticia.org/wp-content/up- lgbt/48olombi-informe-sobre-la-respues- en in Colombia. Retrieved from https://www. loads/2020/06/COVID19-Policy-Briefing-1-1. ta-de-atencion-humanitaria-de-caribe-afir- dw.com/en/fighting-back-against-an-online- pdf mativo-hacia-las-personas-lgbti-afecta- culture-of-violence-targeting-women-in-co- das-por-el-covid-19/ lombia/a-47570978 Alexa. (2020). Colombia. Retrieved from https://www.alexa.com/topsites/coun- Cubilla-Novella, Bojórquez-Chapela and El Espectador. (2018, February 9). Colombia tries/CO Julián Fernández-Niño. (2020). Situation- sigue fallando a la libertad de prensa. Re- al Report: Venezuelan Migrants in Colom- trieved from https://www.elespectador.com/ Amnesty International. (2020). Why do they bia and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved entretenimiento/medios/colombia-le-sigue- want to kill us? Lack of safe space to defend from https://www.uninorte.edu.co/docu- fallando-a-la-libertad-de-prensa/ Human Rights in Colombia. Retrieved from ments/73923/11965666/Situational+Report_ https://www.amnesty.org/download/Docu- Colombia_Migration_and-COVID-19.pdf/ El Espectador. (2020, May 3). Burlas, discrim- ments/AMR2330092020ENGLISH.PDF e249e268-6949-4304-8028-4524b4f9e029 inación y puñaladas: la violencia que revela
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el Pico y Género. Retrieved from https:// Freedom House. (2019). Freedom on the GIFMM. (2020b). Nariño. Situación COVID-19 www.elespectador.com/noticias/nacional/ Net 2019-Colombia. Retrieved from https:// (October 2020). Retrieved from https://relief- burlas-discriminacion-y-punaladas-la-vio- freedomhouse.org/country/49olombia/free- web.int/report/49olombia/nari-o-situaci-n- lencia-que-revela-el-pico-y-genero-articu- dom-net/2019 covid-19-octubre-2020 lo-917657/ Fundación Andi. (2020, July). Inclusión Laboral Human Rights Watch. (2020). Colom- bia: Armed Groups’ Brutal Covid-19 Mea- Estoy en la Frontera. (2020). Retrieved from de Migrantes, una apuesta del sector privado. sures. Retrieved from https://www.hrw. https://estoyenlafrontera.com/ Retrieved from http://www.andi.com.co/Up- loads/Paper%20Inclusi%C3%B3n%20Lab- org/news/2020/07/15/49olombia-armed- groups-brutal-covid-19-measures oral%20a%20Poblaci%C3%B3n%20Migran- FECOLPER. (2020, April 27). COLOMBIA: te%20-%20Junio%2023.pdf Imponen a periodistas condiciones laborales Humanitarian Team Colombia. (2020). igual o más lesivas que la pandemia Covid-19. Covid-19 Response Plan. Summary. Retrieved Fundación Ideas Para la Paz. (2020). Dinámi- Retrieved from https://fecolper.com.co/abu- from https://www.humanitarianresponse. cas de la confrontación armada y su impac- soslaboralescovid/ info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/ to humanitario y ambiental. Tendencias en la files/documents/files/covid-19_response_ Pandemia. Retrieved from http://ideaspaz. plan_-_summary.pdf FLIP (2020, April 17). Más transparen- org/media/website/FIP_SFC_DINAMICAS. cia y menos autobombo deben tener las pdf IACHR. (2020). La CIDH expresa su preocu- comunicaciones de las autoridades. Re- pación por el incremento de la violencia en trieved from https://flip.org.co/index. GIFMM. (2020a). Refugees and Migrants Re- Colombia en territories con presencia de gru- php/en/informacion/pronunciamientos/ sponse Plan 2020. Pp 67-86. Retrieved from pos armados ilícitos. Retrieved from https:// item/2500-mas-transparencia-y-menos-au- https://reliefweb.int/report/49olombia/rm- reliefweb.int/report/49olombia/la-cidh-ex- tobombo-deben-tener-las-comunica- rp-2020-regional-refugee-and-migrant-re- presa-su-preocupaci-n-por-el-incremento- ciones-de-las-autoridades sponse-plan-refugees-and-migrants-0 de-la-violencia-en-colombia-en
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 70 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ANNEXES
Instituto de estudios para el desarrollo y la Media Landscapes. (2020). Colombia. Re- National Administrative Department for Sta- paz, Indepaz (2020). Informe de masacres trieved from https://medialandscapes.org/ tistics. DANE. (2020). Results of the National en Colombia durante el 2020. Retrieved from country/50olombia/media/radio Census for Population and Housing 2018. Re- http://www.indepaz.org.co/informe-de-ma- trieved from https://www.dane.gov.co/index. sacres-en-colombia-durante-el-2020/ Media Ownership Monitor. (2020). Owners php/estadisticas-por-tema/demografia-y-po- in Disguise. Retrieved from http://colombia. blacion/grupos-etnicos Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. mom-rsf.org/en/ (2020). Colombia. Country Information. Re- Norwegian Refugee Council. (2020). Colom- trieved from https://www.internal-displace- Migration Colombia. (2020, January). Gobier- bia: An ongoing Humanitarian Crisis. Re- ment.org/countries/49olombia no Nacional lanza paquete de medidas para trieved from https://nrc.org.co/wp-content/ regularización de ciudadanos venezolanos. uploads/2017/11/Joint-INGOs-Briefing-Co- International Journalists’ Network IJ Net. Retrieved from https://www.migracionco- lombia.pdf (2019, May). Addressing Colombian news lombia.gov.co/noticias/246-enero-2020/ deserts. Retrieved from https://ijnet.org/en/ gobierno-nacional-lanza-paquete-de-me- OAS. (2020, April). Retrieved from http:// story/addressing-colombian-news-deserts didas-para-regularizacion-de-ciudada- nos-venezolanos www.oas.org/en/iachr/expression/showarti- International Work Group for Indigenous Af- cle.asp?lID=1&artID=1173 fairs. (2020). Indigenous Peoples in Colom- Ministry of Health. (2020). COVID-19. Retrieved bia. Retrieved from https://www.iwgia.org/ from https://d2jsqrio60m94k.cloudfront.net/ OCHA. (2020, August). Colombia. Impacto Hu- en/50olombia.html manitarios en Nariño. Retrieved from https:// Mixed Migration Centre (2020). Quarter- reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resourc- Latin America Working Group. (2020). ly Mixed Migration Update: Latin America es/Colombia%20-%20Impacto%20Human- Retrieved from https://www.lawg. and the Caribbean. Retrieved from http:// itario%20en%20Nari%C3%B1o%20-%20 org/50olombia-news-brief-for-august-6-au- www.mixedmigration.org/wp-content/up- Informe%20de%20Situaci%C3%B3n%20 gust-13-2020/ loads/2020/10/qmmu-q3-2020-lac.pdf No.%2001%20%2827-08-2020%29.pdf
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 71 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ANNEXES
OHCHR. (2020, May 17). COVID-19: The suf- UHNCR. (2020, March). RCCE Americas Re- Verdad Abierta. (2020b, August 23). Colom- fering and resilience of LGBT persons must sponse to COVID-19. Retrieved from https:// bia. 93 masacres en 20 meses. Retrieved be visible and inform the actions of States. www.unhcr.org/handbooks/aap/documents/ from https://verdadabierta.com/51olombia- Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ UNHCR_AAPTool_GEN_RCCE%20Ameri- 93-masacres-en-20-meses/ NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx- cas%20COVID-19.pdf ?NewsID=25884&LangID=E WOLA Advocacy for Human Rights in the United Nations Brazil. (2020). Re- Americas. (2019). Concerning Human Rights RCN Radio (2020, November 27). Venezolanos trieved from https://nacoesunidas.org/ Situation in Colombia. Retrieved from https:// sufren doble desplazamiento por amenazas resposta-a-covid-19-na-america-lati- www.wola.org/2019/11/concerning-hu- del ELN en Argelia, Cauca. Retrieved from na-e-caribe-deve-respeitar-os-direit- man-rights-situation-colombia/ https://www.rcnradio.com/50olombia/sur/ os-humanos-das-identidades-trans-e-to- venezolanos-sufren-doble-desplazamiento- da-a-expressao-de-genero/ Vivanco. (2020, April). Armed Groups in Co- por-amenazas-del-eln-en-argelia-cauca lombia Threaten Civilians over COVID-19 USAID. (2020, July). Colombia Digital Eco- Measures. Vulnerable, Poor Communities Refugee and Migrant Response Plan (2020). system Country Assessment. Retrieved from at Risk of Further Abuse. Human Rights Retrieved from https://reliefweb.int/sites/re- https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/ Watch. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/ liefweb.int/files/resources/72254.pdf documents/Colombia_DECA_Report_Span- news/2020/04/13/armed-groups-colombia- ish.pdf threaten-civilians-over-covid-19-measures Reporters without Borders (2019). Colombia. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/51olombia Verdad Abierta. (2020a, May 1). La Colombia profunda vive su cuarantena entre el miedo Response for Venezuelans R4V. (2020). In- al coronavirus y a las armas. Retrieved from fografía de Refugiados y Migrantes Venezola- https://verdadabierta.com/la-colombia-pro- nos. Retrieved from https://rsf.org/en/colom- funda-vive-su-cuarentena-entre-el-miedo-al- bia coronavirus-y-a-las-armas/
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 72 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ANNEXES
LIST OF KEY INFORMANTS
Institution Name (Position)
OIM Diana Varela, Coordinator for Migrant based projects Nariño International JESUIT REFUGEE Carlos Estrella (Coordinator Jesuit Refugee Council) Organizations CARITAS Christine Grawunder (Coordinadora de Proyectos)
Government Natalia Santacruz Secretary of Government Pasto Authorities
National School of Journalists, Tumaco Carlosama Eduardo (Journalist) FECOLPER Adriana Hurtado (National Director) Media Sector Independent Journalist specialized on Migration Issues Mario Lopez Association for Border Journalism Anabell Pontoja Radio Tumaco Magaly Arboleda
Casa del Migrante Javier Medina, director of association Association of Venezuelans Gabriel Lema, representative ASOVENZ CSO Colonia Venezolana de Nariño COLVENZ Josue Ferret, representative ASOVIFU Community leader Migrantes por el Mundo Community leader
Dayana Paz Community member Member of the LGBTQI+ Community member Community Member of the LGBTQI+ Community member Member of the LGBTQI+ Community member
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 73 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ANNEXES FIELDWORK OVERVIEW Information collection tools (survey and interview questionnaires) can be made available upon request
Quantitative Research LANGUAGE
n Español Conducted by Fedemedios Caribe Afirmativo
100% Method Purposive Sampling Purposive Sampling
Areas Tumaco and Ipiales, Nariño Tumaco and Ipiales, Nariño EDUCATION LEVEL Sample Size 119 101
College, University or higher Gender Split See graph below See graph below 21% Age Split See graph below See graph below Secondary/High school education
53%
Vocational education AGE 23% GENDER 28% 12% 34% n 18-24 n Female 49% Primary/Elementary education n 25-34 n Male 1% 28% 13% n 35+ n Other 37% n Prefer not to say
INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT 74 NARIÑO COLOMBIA ROOTED IN TRUST On the move during the COVID-19 pandemic Information, trust and influence among Venezuelans in Nariño, Colombia
AN INFORMATION ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT BY INTERNEWS COLOMBIA - FEBRUARY, 2021