Independent review of the value added of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in Colombia.

Colombia is a highly complex context for humanitarian operations and,
consequently, for the application of the CERF. Humanitarian needs in Colombia
fall into two categories; those primarily related to conflict and those resulting from
natural disasters; and each has a distinct set of political sensitivities with central
government and separate national response systems. As a single and ostensibly
coordinated international system works to respond to both sets of need, the
‘normal’ issues in implementing humanitarian reform are especially challenging. The
international system struggles to create a space in which to undertake a somewhat
autonomous response based on humanitarian principles, whilst simultaneously
acknowledging the right of the government to lead activities. It is essential that the
findings and recommendations of this review are placed firmly in context, where
coordination, as well as conflict, continues to evolve.