The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has reported a significant increase in the number of Colombians living in conflict zones and areas controlled by armed groups, with a 70% rise over the past three years. Nearly 8.4 million civilians now reside in conflict zones where armed groups use intimidation and violence to exert control. Jan Egeland, head of the NRC, described how rural communities are particularly besieged, with both locals and passing refugees and migrants suffering from the escalating violence.
Despite the Colombian government’s peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) eight years ago, violence has surged to “devastating” levels. The demobilization of Farc rebels led to a power vacuum quickly filled by other armed factions. The struggle for control over territory and drug routes has made conditions in some regions worse than immediately after the peace deal.
The armed groups employ tactics like “paros armados” (armed strikes), forcing civilians to stay at home, which disrupts communities, cuts off income, and prevents children from attending school. Since January 2022, nearly 30,000 students have been impacted by armed violence, with some recruited by gangs or having their schools attacked or occupied.
Indigenous and rural communities, such as the Eperara Siapidaria in Nariño province, are particularly affected. These communities, already displaced from previous conflicts, are confined by roadblocks and mines, hindering their mobility and survival.
Egeland emphasized the severe impact of the violence on both local residents and migrants, calling for a shift in international focus from border security to human security.
The NRC’s report highlights the dire situation for many Colombians living in these conflict zones. The violence and control exerted by armed groups have led to severe disruptions in daily life. For instance, entire families are experiencing hardship due to the “armed strikes” imposed by these groups, which not only paralyze local economies but also prevent children from accessing education.
The situation is particularly bleak for indigenous groups like the Eperara Siapidaria. Already struggling from previous displacements, they now face additional challenges due to the violent control exerted by armed groups in their region. Roadblocks and mines placed by these groups have severely restricted their movement, affecting their ability to hunt and sustain themselves.
The intensity of the conflict in some areas has led to conditions akin to house arrest for entire communities. The violence is not only devastating local residents but also impacting refugees and migrants passing through Colombia on their way to the United States. Egeland has called on the international community to shift its focus from border security to addressing human security concerns, emphasizing that the situation requires urgent and comprehensive intervention.
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