Imaginaries of the Return to Post-Conflict Colombia Discourses of Colombian Refugees in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the imaginaries regarding the return of Colombian refugees residing in Ecuador by describing their migratory trajectories and the conditions under which these people –who left the country due to causes related to the armed conflict– would consider returning after the implementation of the peace deal. Empirical evidence was mainly collected through eleven focus groups in the city of Quito. The conclusion is that the end of the war is just the starting point for the return since refugees demand comprehensive and effective social support from the Colombian State in order to go back to the country.