The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has issued a stark warning about the escalating violence in Colombia, particularly affecting indigenous communities. According to the NRC, the number of Colombians living in conflict zones controlled by armed groups has surged by 70% in the past three years, with nearly 8.4 million civilians now living under the shadow of intimidation and violence.
Jan Egeland, the head of the NRC, described how rural communities, in particular, are “under siege” as armed groups battle for control of territory and drug routes. Despite the hope generated by the peace agreement with the Farc rebels eight years ago, the vacuum left behind has been quickly filled by other armed groups, leading to devastating levels of violence.
One disturbing tactic employed by these armed groups is the declaration of “paros armados” (armed strikes), which force civilians to stay at home, disrupting daily life and depriving families of income. Children are also heavily impacted, with nearly 30,000 pupils affected by armed violence since January 2022, some forcibly recruited by gangs or witnessing attacks on their schools.
Indigenous and rural communities have borne the brunt of this violence, with Mr. Egeland recounting his meeting with the Eperara Siapidaria indigenous group in Nariño province, who fear for the survival of their culture amidst the threats and restrictions imposed by armed groups. These communities are often under virtual house arrest, unable to move freely due to roadblocks and mines set up by warring factions.
The situation is so dire that even refugees and migrants passing through Colombia on their way north to the United States are facing extreme desperation. Mr. Egeland called on the international community to prioritize human security over border security in order to address the urgent needs of those affected by armed violence.
