Colombia: Thousands newly displaced in Pacific region

With 3,000 people displaced in Colombia’s Pacific region in the first two weeks of January alone, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) calls on the authorities in areas affected by armed conflict to step up support to the victims of mass displacement and confinement.

“I am deeply concerned for the thousands of men, women, and children in remote areas of Colombia, facing renewed waves of displacement, violence, and forced confinements at the beginning of this year. We call on the authorities, particularly the newly appointed mayors and governors of the Pacific region, to uphold their obligation in providing aid to all victims of the armed conflict,” said Giovanni Rizzo, NRC’s country director in Colombia.

In the first fifteen days of 2024, media and community leaders have reported violent and highly concerning events from across Colombia’s Pacific region. According to preliminary data from local authorities and UN OCHA, escalating conflict in the area forced more than 3,000 people to flee their homes, and an additional 10,000 remain confined in their homes – a method used by armed groups to control territories.

“These vulnerable communities must not be abandoned. Authorities should provide communities with desperately needed access to life-saving humanitarian aid and essential services, including education and health. All parties to the conflict must be held accountable for their actions,” stated Rizzo.

In the Olaya Herrera and Samaniego municipalities in the Nariño department, armed clashes forced more than 3,000 people to flee within the first ten days of January. The media also reported mass displacements in the department of Valle del Cauca. Additionally, in the department of Choco, more than 9,000 people have been confined since November 2023 because of armed clashes and death threats to civilians. The situation is also worrying in Jurado, where more than 1,000 people are currently confined within their territory.

“The hope for peace among communities struggling to live a normal life, free of violence, must be secured by implementing the agreements within the current peace process, including a steadfast commitment to upholding the respect for international humanitarian law,” said Rizzo.