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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Colombia: between pervasive violence and oblivion

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.