Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event 18-02-2025
What happened, where and when?
Since 16 January to date, at least 83,167 people have been affected by the intensification of clashes between Non-State Armed Groups in the municipalities of Ábrego, Convención, El Tarra, San Calixto, Teorama, Hacarí, Sardinata and Tibú, in Norte de Santander. This escalation of violence has generated unprecedented displacement in the region, with 57,756 people forced to ee their territories, highlighting that this is the largest mass displacement recorded in the last 28 years.
Considering this situation, the government has declared a state of internal commotion and emergency (Decreet 006, 24 January 2025). Due to the exceptional nature of this situation, the Colombian Red Cross-National Society has requested the activation of an IFRC-DREF. To note that this is the first time that DREF is solicited for this type of emergency, highlighting the exceptional nature of the situation.
The report of the Ombudsman's Oce, dated 16 February 2025, warns about the humanitarian crisis in Norte de Santander, Cauca and Chocó due to clashes between non-state armed groups. The conflict has left 57,756 people displaced and 25,411 people conned, affecting a total of 83,167 people.
In addition to the previously mentioned regions, the Ombudsman's Oce has documented emergencies in Nariño, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, Magdalena Medio, Arauca, Meta, Guaviare, Sur de Córdoba, Tolima and Putumayo; therefore, it is estimated that the number of people affected may be much higher.
In view of this situation, the Ombudsman's Oce has requested the National Government to take protective measures, the international community to reinforce humanitarian support and the armed groups to respect the rights of the population and cease the recruitment of minors.