Northeastern Colombia is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, impacting approximately 80,000 people due to intensified armed conflict since January 16th. The NRC emphasizes the urgent need for civilian protection and humanitarian access amid mass displacements and restricted assistance. Immediate international support is critical to prevent further suffering and support affected communities.
In northeastern Colombia, approximately 80,000 individuals are currently facing severe humanitarian consequences due to an escalation of armed conflict that began on January 16th. Caught in violent confrontations between armed groups, communities suffer from serious threats and urgent humanitarian needs. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has stressed that civilian protection and humanitarian access must be prioritized.
Giovanni Rizzo, the NRC’s country director, stated, “Colombia cannot accept this situation as the new normal. The urgent and comprehensive protection of civilians, in Catatumbo and throughout the nation, must be prioritized by the government.” Within one month, the number of forced displacements in Catatumbo has surpassed the total for similar situations nationwide throughout all of 2024.
Many individuals remain displaced without return plans, dealing with uncertainty about their future and struggling to rebuild their lives. A man impacted by the conflict lamented, “To leave your roots because of war, to bury family lost to a conflict they didn’t choose, this is the tragedy we face.”
As armed groups hinder access to vital humanitarian assistance, thousands of lives are in jeopardy. With food supplies running out, families depend on dwindling resources, highlighting the need for unimpeded humanitarian access to prevent further suffering.
The humanitarian aid sector faces overwhelming challenges, struggling to address the critical needs of affected populations. Rizzo remarked, “We have not seen such a humanitarian crisis on this scale in Colombia in almost 30 years. The recent government’s declaration of a ‘state of internal commotion’ makes it clear: this escalating crisis requires additional international solidarity.”
The situation in Catatumbo serves as a profound reminder of Colombia’s vulnerability, with a new displacement risk alert issued for several departments. If immediate action isn’t taken, a larger humanitarian crisis may arise. Rizzo warned, “We cannot allow this to happen. Any further escalation would unleash immense suffering, destroy communities, and extinguish hopes for a better future.”
The Colombian government has declared a “state of internal commotion” in Catatumbo, granting emergency powers to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. Reports from the Ombudsman’s Office indicate rising armed conflicts in multiple departments, exacerbating risks to civilians.
Currently, over 5.1 million people are internally displaced in Colombia due to violence, with 9.3 million located in areas controlled by non-state armed actors. The international community has requested $342 million in 2025 to support those affected by the conflict. The NRC is assisting displaced populations with registration and essential supplies, including food, clean water, and hygiene kits.
The humanitarian crisis in Colombia, particularly in the Catatumbo region, is of significant concern, with a dramatic increase in displacements due to escalating armed conflict. The NRC emphasizes the urgent need for protection of civilians and humanitarian access to alleviate suffering. Immediate international support is essential to prevent further deterioration of the situation and address the pressing needs of those affected by the crisis.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
