Vulnerable Populations and Victims’ Assistance

For over 50 years, Colombia was plagued with armed conflict between the government and guerrilla groups. This conflict led to the loss of at least 50,000 lives. For those who have survived this conflict, there is much to be done in terms of progress and rehabilitation. Colombia has an alarming amount of vulnerable populations that are in need of assistance and require significant efforts to enhance development.

The Cleveland Council on World Affairs is pleased to welcome four visitors from Colombia as part of the program “Vulnerable Populations and Victims Assistance.” Through their visit to Cleveland, they will meet with groups promoting inclusion and accessibility, as well as support and integration services for refugee communities. They will meet with the LGBT Community Center, the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, and other organizations in Cleveland dedicated to inclusivity and equality. Their stop in Cleveland will bolster institutional knowledge for assistance providers, community leaders and government issues as they address the needs of a variety of victims.

International Visitor Leadership (IVLP) Program

Each year, over 250 professionals from around the world visit Northeast Ohio through IVLP. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, these visitors have been identified by U.S. embassies as emerging leaders in their fields.  Over 50 Nobel Laureates and 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government are alumni of this program. 

By connecting with foreign leaders we strengthen Northeast Ohio’s commercial, cultural, and educational ties with the rest of the world. For more information, contact Katie Ferman, Program Officer, at kferman@ccwa.org or click here. To get involved as a Citizen Diplomat, click here.