Policy-representations in the Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelans in Colombia: Market-formed solutions within the humanitarian relief and the human rights protection nexus

Humanitarian responses to crises are the product of policy representations within local political arenas. In this research paper, I approach the policy representations that informed the Colombian Temporary Protection Statute for Venezuelans (TPS) as a humanitarian response. Reflecting on them could open the door for a new understanding of the policy problem and address the existing policy gaps. The Post-structural Policy Analysis (PPA) is the methodology deployed in this endeavour. It enabled me to explore the assumptions regarding the Venezuelans in Colombia, the pragmatic presuppositions that oriented the TPS as a solution, and its implications in the humanitarian relief and human rights protection nexus. I conclude that the TPS is a market-driven solution underpinned in the prevailing representation of Venezuelans as migrants and burden-holders, with some pending issues in human rights matters.