The communities of Montes de Maria in northern Colombia were some of the most affected during the armed conflict. With more than 50% of the population displaced, social cohesion was shattered, organizations and institutions were weakened and leaders disappeared. Today, communities are striving to overcome decades of violence and mistrust and learn how to work together again. Through the USAID-funded Colombia Responde program, Global Communities is teaching communities how to organize themselves and work with their local municipalities to take charge of their own development.

More than 60 years of conflict and upheaval has taken its toll on the communities that comprise San Jacinto and Ovejas. Located on the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia, in an area called Montes de Maria, these communities are located in the epicenter of the conflict between the Colombian government and paramilitary forces. Known for its mountains and rugged beauty, Montes de Maria is also known for its long history of violence, massacres and massive displacement. More than 50 percent of population in region has been displaced by conflict.

The Government of Colombia’s Unified Victim’s Registry has released highly anticipated figures on the country's displacement situation. The totals are preliminary and expected to increase.

By Constanza Vieira

BOGOTA, May 9 2013 (IPS) - “I was displaced here by mining a month ago. Illegal miners forced me out of my municipality. No, don’t write down where I’m from, let alone my name,” said a 40-year-old black man frightened for his safety. IPS agreed to say only that he is from Colombia’s southern Pacific coast region.

Source: Reuters - Fri, 3 May 2013 09:30 PM

• Rebels reject idea of facing prosecution for war actions

• Colombian president steps up military pressure against rebels

• Ending conflict, drug smuggling still to be addressed

By Jeff Franks

HAVANA, May 3 (Reuters) - Colombia and Marxist-led FARC rebels reported important advances on Friday on the critical issue of agrarian reform in their talks to end half a century of war but the government complained the negotiations were still moving too slowly.

Listen to the podcast here

This podcast produced by ACT Alliance member Christian Aid features an interview with Alirio Uribe, a Colombian lawyer, who explains the human rights situation and prospects for lasting peace in the country.

Bogota – More than one thousand civil society representatives and dozens of international experts kicked off a three-day forum today aiming to involve Colombia’s society in the peace talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP, in the Spanish acronym).

The Forum organized by the United Nations and the National University of Colombia, 28-30 April, was requested by the Government and the FARC as part of the peace talks that have been taking place since November 2012 aiming to halt the nearly 50 year-long conflict.

Colombia's propensity for natural disasters combined with the long-running armed conflict creates a double vulnerability for much of the population.

24-04-2013 Report

In Colombia, 2012 saw the continuance of an armed conflict that began almost half a century ago, while other forms of violence intensified. The year was also marked by hopes for a resolution of the conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army (FARC-EP), with peace talks beginning in Cuba.

Activity report 2012: introduction

2012 – The changing face of violence but same pain for victims