Substantive Justice and Forced Displacement: An Analysis of the Case of Venezuelan Refugees in Colombia
Justicia Sustantiva y Desplazamiento Forzado: Análisis del Caso de los Refugiados Venezolanos en Colombia
Keywords:
forced displacement, Venezuelan refugees, substantive justice, Colombia, migrant integrationAbstract
This paper examines the challenge posed by the forced displacement of Venezuelan citizens into Colombia from the perspective of substantive justice. It asserts that for substantive justice to be achieved, refugees’ rights must be formally recognised and effectively implemented, ensuring equitable access to services, opportunities for integration, and protection against discrimination. Based on data from international organisations, academic studies, and direct testimonies, the study evaluates how Colombia has addressed these migratory flows and to what extent the system has enabled refugees to exercise their rights effectively. The findings show that although reception policies have been deployed, significant gaps remain in socio‑economic inclusion, access to formal employment, and the guarantee of protection. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen substantive justice by shifting from mere legality to real equity for displaced populations.
El presente artículo analiza el desafío que plantea el desplazamiento forzado de ciudadanos venezolanos hacia Colombia desde la perspectiva de la justicia sustantiva. Se sostiene que, para que haya justicia sustantiva, es necesario que los derechos de los refugiados se reconoczcan formalmente y se implementen de manera efectiva, garantizando acceso equitativo a servicios, oportunidades de integración y protección contra discriminación. Tomando como base datos de organismos internacionales, estudios académicos y testimonios directos, se evalúa cómo Colombia ha afrontado estos flujos migratorios y en qué medida el sistema ha permitido que los refugiados ejerzan sus derechos de manera efectiva. Los resultados indican que, aunque se han desplegado políticas de acogida, persisten importantes brechas en la inclusión socioeconómica, el acceso al trabajo formal y la garantía de protección. Se concluye con recomendaciones para fortalecer la justicia sustantiva, mediante políticas que consideren la transición de la mera legalidad a una equidad real para las poblaciones desplazadas.
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