For decades, Colombians have been enduring a protracted conflict between the national government, the insurgent groups Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN) and a number of criminal organisations. In 2016, after more than 50 years of conflict, the Colombian government signed a peace agreement with FARC. Under the presidency of Gustavo Petro, the Colombian government has been promoting a policy of total peace, encouraging dialogue and the signing of ceasefire agreements with certain armed groups, while keeping others at bay. Despite these efforts, localised conflicts persist; between 2020 and 2023, the number of people living under the control of non-state armed groups rose from 5.8 million to 8.4 million.
Although the overall figures for displacements and detentions fell in 2023, there was an increase in violence in 2024 in regions such as Chocó, Cauca and Nariño. Landmine contamination continues to rise, with 929 incidents and 95 victims recorded in 2023. The Colombian government is preparing to request an extension until 2030 of the deadline for declaring the country mine-free. Humanitarian demining continues as part of efforts to improve access to unstable regions. Nearly half of the victims of mines and explosive devices are civilians, and many live in remote areas with no direct access to health centres or rehabilitation care.
In recent years, Colombia has become the world’s largest recipient of Venezuelan migrants, some of whom are living in extremely difficult conditions. In 2023, 1.8 million people from Venezuela were living in Colombia. Furthermore, a record number of migrants crossed the Darién Strait in 2023, with 400,000 new arrivals, including some 88,000 children.
Lastly, climate shocks such as the El Niño phenomenon have heightened humanitarian challenges, with severe droughts and landslides affecting the most vulnerable populations.
Number of HI staff: 250
Programmed opened in: 1998
