Colombia’s Indigenous Communities Under Siege: The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has issued a stark warning about the escalating violence in Colombia, particularly affecting indigenous communities. Over the past three years, the number of Colombians living in conflict zones controlled by armed groups has surged by 70%, totaling nearly 8.4 million civilians. Jan Egeland, the head of the NRC, highlighted the plight of rural communities facing unprecedented levels of violence, exacerbated by rival groups vying for control post the peace agreement with Farc rebels.
The repercussions are extensive, with families disrupted by imposed “armed strikes” and children coerced into joining armed groups or deprived of education. The Eperara Siapidaria indigenous group in Nariño province exemplifies the dire situation, cut off from necessities by warring factions. Mr. Egeland emphasized the urgent need for international attention and compassion towards the suffering population, urging a shift from border security to prioritizing human security. The crisis reaches far beyond Colombia, affecting refugees and migrants seeking a better future, underscoring the grave humanitarian emergency unfolding in the region.
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