Colombians at Risk in Conflict Zones

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has reported a staggering 70% increase in the number of Colombians living in conflict zones over the past three years, with nearly 8.4 million civilians now affected by the intimidation and violence of armed groups. NRC head Jan Egeland, currently visiting Colombia, emphasized that rural communities are particularly vulnerable, facing a siege-like environment that threatens not only locals but also refugees and migrants traversing these perilous areas. The demobilization of the Farc rebels initially sparked hope for peace; however, this vacuum has been swiftly filled by other armed factions. These groups employ tactics such as "paros armados" or armed strikes, compelling civilians to remain indoors and disrupting daily life. This not only halts economic activity but also prevents children from attending school, with NRC data indicating that nearly 30,000 students have been impacted by violence since January 2022. Many children have been forcibly recruited by gangs, while others have experienced attacks on their schools. Egeland highlighted the plight of the Eperara Siapidaria indigenous community in Nariño province, who expressed deep concerns for their cultural survival amid the threats posed by armed groups. The presence of roadblocks and landmines has severely restricted their movement, hindering their ability to hunt and gather resources. In light of these dire circumstances, Egeland urged the international community to shift its focus from border security to prioritizing human security, emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable populations in Colombia.