Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urgently condemned the escalating violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo region, bordering Venezuela, where armed groups inflict severe human rights violations, displacing tens of thousands. The organisation demands immediate protective measures for civilians and accountability for crimes, which include killings and forced disappearances. Remarkably, since January 2025, over 56,000 individuals have been forced to flee amidst brutal confrontations between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, marking a notable mass displacement in Colombia’s history.
The ELN has ramped up its efforts to reclaim control over Catatumbo, targeting civilians thought to associate with rival factions, while FARC dissidents engage in horrifying practices such as forced labour and trafficking of minors. The resulting humanitarian crisis leaves displaced families struggling with severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical support. HRW implores Colombian authorities to implement humane security policies and urges international donors to assist those affected by the violence.
Strategically significant for drug production and trafficking, Catatumbo has long been a battleground for armed factions vying for dominion over lucrative resources. Following a tense interlude since 2018, hostilities resurged in January 2025, disproportionately impacting civilians, including social leaders and those who demobilised under Colombia’s 2016 peace agreement.
Challenging socioeconomic conditions exacerbate the plight of residents, as extreme poverty prevails alongside inadequate infrastructure and scant access to healthcare and education. Furthermore, both state and armed group militarisation complicates the local landscape. Despite official promises of protection for civilians, current evacuation efforts fall severely short of addressing the massive displacement crisis.
Ongoing documentation of abuses by rights organisations remains prominent in Catatumbo, with Amnesty International flagging threats to social leaders amid escalating violence. Following a temporary drop in military operations due to reduced coca eradication, armed clashes have seen a rebound. International entities like the United Nations continue advocating for adherence to humanitarian law.
Overall, the crisis highlights persistent challenges in Colombia’s post-conflict context. While the 2016 peace accord sought to reintegrate former combatants into society, regions like Catatumbo remain mired in violence stemming from unresolved territorial disputes and scant state intervention. HRW’s appeal underscores the critical necessity for holistic solutions prioritising civilian safety and addressing deeper socio-economic frailties.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned escalating violence in Colombia’s Catatumbo, urging immediate protective actions for civilians and accountability for armed groups committing serious human rights abuses. The conflict has displaced over 56,000 people since January 2025, significantly worsening humanitarian conditions. The ELN and FARC dissidents are engaged in brutal confrontations, stressing the need for national and international action towards humanitarian aid and safeguarding civil rights. Challenges from socioeconomic conditions further exacerbate this crisis, underscoring the broader implications for peace efforts in Colombia.
In conclusion, the situation in Catatumbo is a pressing humanitarian crisis, demanding urgent international attention and intervention. HRW’s call for widespread protective measures and accountability highlights the dire conditions civilians face amidst escalating violence. Addressing the socio-economic challenges and the urgent necessity for humanitarian assistance is vital in navigating this tumultuous landscape, ensuring the safety and dignity of affected populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
