Some 5 years ago, the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace agreement. Today, violence has intensified, especially in remote and isolated areas, and displacement persists.
In the Telembi triangle, on Colombia’s southern border with Ecuador, civilians are victims of illegal armed groups and criminal organisations. These criminals are fighting for territorial control and exploiting the widespread poverty and a limited state presence.
In the first half of 2021 alone, more than 21,000 people – mostly indigenous and afro-descendants - were forcibly displaced. They had to move to overcrowded urban areas, living in collective shelters with poor sanitary conditions and severe food and water shortages. The overcrowding increased exposure to COVID-19.
It is key to meet the population’s most urgent needs. With EU humanitarian funding, the Danish Refugee Council distributes emergency food and non-food items and enables access to medical services. We also support the rehabilitation of medical centres and the donation of medical supplies.
Story by Daniele Pagani and Ruth Silva, EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 01The Telembi triangle is a remote area of extreme poverty. There are no good routes to and from here; the only way to move around is by boat. The limited government presence makes the area insecure for its inhabitants who cannot access basic services. 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion02Several armed groups compete to control this strategic region, located close to Tumaco, Colombia´s second-busiest port. It is also home to extensive coca plantations, cocaine processing laboratories, and illegal gold mines. 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 03“Violence increased during the pandemic. People have been confined in their communities or displaced to remote areas. They need urgent aid,” says Thomas Dehermann-Roy, Head of the EU's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations office in Colombia. 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 04"We left to save our lives, we were in the middle of a fight between 2 groups," says Jose Perez*. “We left behind our house, crops and animals. This is the third time we flee, we know that we cannot go back, our village is not safe anymore.” *changed 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 05Despite the challenging situation, the Perez family managed to find safety. They met with the Danish Refugee Council staff who provided the family with EU funded hygiene and food kits. 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 06Thanks to EU humanitarian funding, DRC can assist displaced people in several municipalities in Telembi. The aid includes food, water filters and rehabilitation work in 3 health centres to guarantee access to basic healthcare. 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 07The distribution of essential hygiene items is crucial to help rural communities protect themselves from COVID-19. These EU funded kits contain personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, menstrual products, newborn’s care products, etc.). 
Colombia between pervasive violence and oblivion 08With EU humanitarian aid funding, DRC is also providing protection services such as legal counselling and cash assistance, so that people can purchase what they most need.
