Subsequent to the severe floods of 2010 and 2011, continued natural disasters in 2012 affected 591,752 people, while further disasters in the first two months of 2013 have affected an additional 13,032 people.  Additionally, as a result of 4 decades of internal conflict 3.7 million Colombians have been displaced from their regions of origin.  In this context, the Cluster has assisted the Colombian Government and vulnerable communities in developing their preparation, comprehensive response, temporary shelter, and recuperation capacities.

In coordination with other clusters and the Colombian government, the CCCM Cluster developed the Management of Temporary Shelters Information System (SIGAT) to support authorities in needs assessment and monitoring for populations located in temporary shelters. The system will be handed to the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) in June 2013. UNGRD also invited Cluster members to help identify temporary shelters around the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. The joint mission covered 15 municipalities, assessed a total of 46 temporary shelters, and evaluated the emergency response plans of area hospitals.

Since 2012, the Cluster, in partnership with the Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP), has provided support to communities displaced by the conflict in Norte del Cauca. Activities include upgrading and repairing collective centers and providing habitat and hygiene kits, NFIs, and Collective Center management support.

Between February 2012 and March 2013, 69 participants attended 3 CCCM ToTs.  These national trainers instructed an additional 448 participants over 20 CCCM trainings.  In November 2012, a joint CCCM/Gender-focused training was delivered with UNFPA. Furthermore, a temporary shelter management training was held for 45 community leaders and temporary shelter managers, who are now hired under an emergency employment model. The Cluster also supported Pastoral Social in holding 2 workshops for local authorities regarding human trafficking and child recruitment by armed groups during natural disaster emergencies.

In 2013, the Cluster will continue its commitment to capacity building activities, supporting the government and civil society in preparedness and response, and strengthening the Cluster’s role in conflict-related contexts.