Les effets de la violence organisée sur le processus d'intégration des réfugiés : le cas des Colombiens au Québec
 The armed conflict in Colombia is the third longest conflict in the world after the problem between Palestine and Israel and the one between India and Pakistan. Organized violence that characterizes this conflict has consequences at the individual level (psychological distress, etc.) and the collective (social demobilization by terror, modification of critical thinking, increased common violence).This kind of violence has forced thousands of Colombians into exile. Some of these people come to Quebec as refugees. This study describes and analyzes the effects of organized violence suffered by these persons in Colombia. It links these consequences and the integration of Colombian refugees in a region of Quebec, Haute-Yamaska. The main objective of this master’s thesis is to answer this question: According to the experiences of refugee Colombian victims of organized violence, what are the effects of this experience on their lives today in Quebec? Twelve stories were collected and analyzed based on interviews with Colombian refugees. The results of this study show that refugees need to work out their own identity trough these particular experiences; the presence of withdrawal and isolation as protective mechanisms that occur in their host country; the reproduction, for a minority, of some behaviors that are considered violent in their host country but, in the context of their land of origin, had another meaning. This difference is accompanied by a different tolerance for violence for refugees and the host society. A personal positive attitude in face of difficulties and the support of a family network or friends are enablers of integration. Finally, the effects of a long-term bereavement slow emotional and personal investment in the new country.
organized violence refugee integration Colombia Quebec