Additionally, an estimated 845,000 Colombians including those with dual nationality have returned to Colombia from Venezuela in recent years, which may include those who return on a temporary basisAccording to Migración Colombia, around 56% of Venezuelans in Colombia are estimated to be in an irregular situation and thus more exposed to protection risksFrom March until June, the Colombia-Venezuela border was officially closed to contain the spread of the pandemic, but even after the 2 June border opening on the Colombian side, Venezuelans continue to enter the country primarily through informal crossing points controlled by armed groupsSuch irregular movements come with a heightened risk of violence especially gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking and smuggling, child recruitment and family separationIn February, the Government of Colombia issued a Temporary Protection Status TPS that is likely to benefit the 1.74 million Venezuelans already in Colombia as well as those who arrive through official border points over the next two years The TPS provides a -year protection status and access to a full range of rights including healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion However, xenophobia against Venezuelans has considerably increased in the last year, and it is projected to worsen with the introduction of the TPS Misinformation and the perceptions that Venezuelans will take away job opportunities from Colombians, fuel general discontent and makes it even more difficult for refugees and migrants to secure a jobNonetheless, UNHCR believes that TPS is a very promising pathway for addressing the vulnerable situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants who are in an irregular situation This situation continues to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a devastating impact in Colombia, especially on refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons IDPs and host communities, some who have lost livelihoods and have been evicted from their houses Economic and protection concerns, including illegal armed actors who have increased control over communities, taking advantage of COVID-19 and the limited State presence, led to over 136,000 Venezuelans to return to their country. UNHCR is committed to the effective protection to children of concern, with children representing more than half of the persons falling under its mandate UNHCR adopts a rights and community-based approach to address the protection needs of children, with a strong emphasis on inclusion within national child protection systems, child friendly procedures and working with other sectors to protect children including education Child protection is recognized as global organizational priority for UNHCRDedicated child protection positions are needed to provide technical support to improve UNHCRs operational capacity to deliver effective protection to children, adolescents, and youth of concern. The Child Protection Associate is a member of the protection team in an OfficeS/he may report to the Head of the Community Based Protection Unit The incumbent monitors child protection standards, operational procedures and practices in protection delivery in line with international standards and provides functional protection support to information management and programme staffThe Child Protection Associate is expected to coordinate quality, timely and effective protection responses to the needs of populations of concern children, women, marginalized groups and is responsible for implementation of Best Interests Procedures for children at risk in their area of responsibility, under the guidance of the supervisorS/he may also supervise staff undertaking Best Interests ProceduresS/he identifies opportunities to mainstream Child Protection methodologies and integrate protection safeguards in operational responses in all sectors and liaises externally with authorities and partners on protection doctrine and policy as guided by the supervisor