Sexual and reproductive health rights of Colombian IDPs.

Estimates of the scale of forced displacement in Colombia range between the 1.08m acknowledged by the government to upwards of 2.5m identified by NGOs. Colombian IDPs are far more likely to suffer significant violations of their sexual and reproductive rights than Colombians who have not been displaced: 30% of displaced girls between the ages of 13 and 19 have been pregnant at least once – compared with less than 20% for all Colombians in this age group. Pregnant IDPs have the lowest rate of access to prenatal care in health centres (44%). 81% per cent of sexually active young IDPs do not use any contraceptive method. Gender-based violence is commonplace in conflict zones. A survey by PROFAMILIA found that 52% of women report physical maltreatment by their partners; 14% have been threatened by their partners with a gun; and 9% raped by people other than their partner. Female IDPs are usually both the primary caretakers of children and siblings and the providers of family income; their multiple responsibilities make it hard for them to access education or health services. (excerpt)