Colombia
History of Partnership
The House Democracy Partnership (HDP) approved a legislative strengthening partnership with the Congress of Colombia in September 2006. HDP has focused its work with the Chamber of Representatives and Senate on strengthening independent research and analysis capabilities, the Chamber’s budgetary oversight and drafting capacity, and legislative oversight of the executive branch. The current focus of the program with Colombia includes anti-corruption, constituent relations, and modernization of the legislature through use of information and communication technology.
Recent HDP Engagement with the Congress of Colombia
MP and Regional Seminars:
- August 2023 – A Women’s Economic Empowerment Legislator Forum including 22 legislators from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Peru in Viña del Mar, Chile.
- October 2022 - A regional MP seminar on Advancing Women’s Political Leadership in Latin America.
- August 2021 – A regional MP seminar on Strengthening Legislative Oversight of the Executive.
- June 2021 – A virtual MP exchange with Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Peru, The Gambia, and Tunisia on Integrating Openness and Transparency in the Legislature.
Staff Delegations and Technical Assistance Consultancies (TACs):
- May 2022 – A TAC with the Congress of Colombia on Institutional Sharing with Citizens.
- November 2020 – A virtual staff exchange with Colombia, Georgia, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, North Macedonia, Peru, and Tunisia, on Providing Quality Research Services for Member and Committee Offices.
HDP Congressional Delegations (CODELs)
HDP has organized several CODEL visits to Colombia.
- April 2022
- May 2020 (virtual)
- November 2011
- August 2009
- August 2007
1 At the time the partnership was initiated, the House Democracy Partnership was known as the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC). The name was subsequently changed to reflect the nature of HDP as a partnership with partner countries.
From February 23-28, 2024, HDP organized a congressional delegation visit to Panama, Colombia, and Peru to meet with Members of Parliament and key democratic stakeholders in the region. Too often, Central and South America are overlooked in U.S. strategic plans, but we must be present and engaged with our neighbors to underscore the importance of democracy and the rule of law.
From August 29-31, 2023, the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) organized a Women’s Economic Empowerment Legislator Forum in Viña del Mar, Chile. This event brought together 22 legislators from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Peru. Among the notable attendees was Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.