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Between January and December 2024, UNHCR confirmed 229 mass events (118 large-scale internal displacement events and 101 confinement incidents) that forced 52,580 people (21,774 families) to flee and confined 118,104 people (34,161 families). The departments with the highest number of events and people affected by forced displacement throughout the year were Nariño, Cauca, Chocó, Bolívar, and Antioquia. A slight downward trend of 19% was observed in the number of mass displacement events compared to 2023, alongside a 12% decrease in affected individuals. However, this situation must be analysed considering other factors, such as the progressive increase in confinement, territorial and social control actions by non-State armed groups (NSAG) that prevent the civilian population from reporting and making forced displacement visible. Additionally, changes in displacement dynamics have been observed, with a growing trend towards individual declarations. Lastly, gaps in the institutional response have hindered both the declaration and the provision of assistance for these events.
Throughout the year, internal displacement continued to affect areas with recurrent emergencies, as well as new regions such as Bolívar, Magdalena, La Guajira, Cesar, and Caquetá. An increase in this situation was observed compared to the previous year in the departments of Cauca, La Guajira, Caquetá, and Chocó. This situation was mainly driven by the expansion dynamics of NSAG and the struggle for territorial control, leading to increased clashes between these groups and heightened risks for communities. March recorded the highest number of large-group internal displacements (22) and the highest number of affected individuals in the year (14,704). Nariño experienced the greatest impact, accounting for 45% of the total displaced population. However, this department saw a significant decrease in displacement towards the end of the year compared to 2023, due to ongoing local negotiation processes between the Government and NSAG. Cauca was the second most affected department, with 26% of internal displacements, followed by Chocó with 12%.
Compared to 2023, the 2024 confinement figures show an increase of more than 18% in the number of affected individuals and 38% in reported events. The most impacted departments were Chocó, Cauca, Arauca, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Putumayo. The highest number of confinement incidents occurred in the first quarter of 2024, with a total of 38,308 people affected. Chocó experienced the greatest impact, accounting for 53% of the total confined population between January and March. Similarly, in the third quarter, 35,565 people were confined, with Chocó once again being the most affected department, representing 52% of cases between July and