A prominent human rights advocate has unveiled alarming findings regarding rebel groups in Colombia, denouncing their brutal actions toward innocent civilians in the resource-laden Catatumbo region, situated along the Venezuelan border. In a detailed report, Human Rights Watch highlighted serious abuses, including the execution of unarmed farmers and alarming instances of forced recruitment of children into these factions. They urgently called for the Colombian government to accelerate investigations into the worrying surge in homicides in the area, which accounted for at least 78 deaths in January and February following a breakdown in ceasefire among these groups.
According to the Colombian Human Rights Ombudsman, over 56,000 individuals have fled their homes since January, spurred by the violent campaign launched by the National Liberation Army (ELN) aimed at asserting dominance over Catatumbo. Human Rights Watch reported harrowing accounts of rebels forcibly dragging individuals from their homes to execute them under accusations of collusion with their rival faction, the FARC-EMC.
Through interviews with 65 individuals, including judicial officials and displaced farmers, the investigation revealed widespread trauma in these communities. Juan Pappier, the deputy director for the Americas at Human Rights Watch, stated that the ELN’s actions appear driven by a desire to control the border region, with connections to the drug trade, alongside the alleged complicity of Venezuelan security forces. Victims recounted horrific scenes, including farmers being executed in front of their families and forced labour camps operated by FARC-EMC, where accused locals were made to toil for hours under grueling conditions.
The report called upon the Colombian Attorney General’s office to bolster staffing for investigations in the troubled Catatumbo region, along with ensuring the safety of these officials as they probe deeper into these atrocities. Tensions have escalated further since peace talks with the ELN were suspended on January 20, following brutal attacks on several villages. President Gustavo Petro, a former rebel himself, rebuked the ELN leadership for straying from their revolutionary roots and succumbing to greed and drug trafficking.
Despite a reduction in violence attributed to a 2016 peace agreement with the FARC, areas like Catatumbo continue to experience rising violence, extortion, and forced displacements, resulting from power struggles among splinter groups vying for territory previously under FARC influence. Current estimates place the ELN’s numbers at approximately 6,000 fighters across Colombia and Venezuela, as confirmed by Colombia’s Ministry of Defense.
Human Rights Watch reports severe abuses by Colombian rebel groups, including murders of unarmed civilians and child conscription in the Catatumbo region. Over 56,000 people have been displaced since January, with rising violence linked to struggles for territory. The Colombian government is urged to expedite investigations and enhance protection for victims as the ELN seeks control over the strategic border with Venezuela.
The situation in Colombia’s Catatumbo region remains dire, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch’s revelations of brutal abuses by rebel forces against civilians. The urgent need for governmental action to investigate these crimes and provide protection to victims is paramount. The tension and violence continue to rise as rival factions contest control of territory, jeopardising the safety and security of the local population. Without swift intervention, the cycle of violence risks becoming entrenched, further destabilising the region.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
