Growing Humanitarian Emergency in Colombia Follows Rupture in Peace Process

Catholic Relief Services
Friday, 1 March 2002

Following the February 20 rupture in the peace process between the Colombian government and Colombia's largest guerrilla group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a humanitarian emergency has developed, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reported today. Hundreds of thousands are living in fear of attacks by warring parties. In addition, restricted movement and guerilla attacks on the country's infrastructure limit access to basic goods and services (food, water, electricity) throughout the country. The situation has deeply affected Catholic Relief Services' church partners and the communities in which they work.

"We are gravely concerned with the safety and well-being of communities in Colombia, particularly as our partners are increasingly limited in their ability to communicate with us about the needs of their areas," said Jed Hoffman, CRS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The FARC's hijacking of a commercial airliner and kidnapping of a senator on board triggered the abrupt end of the three-year peace process last week. On February 21, the Colombian Armed Forces began a campaign of aerial bombardment and ground mobilization to retake an area about twice the size of New Jersey in southern Colombia, which was granted to the FARC in 1998 as incentive for their participation in the peace process.

The bombings and fear of possible armed confrontation between guerrillas and the armed forces have already caused people to flee from their homes within the formerly FARC-controlled zone. However, these are not the only dangers for the approximately 100,000 residents of the zone: many also fear possible attacks by guerrillas who want to prevent the possibility of residents passing information to the armed forces. There is also great fear of attacks by paramilitary forces -- known for extensive human rights abuses throughout the country -- who may target civilians they consider FARC "collaborators" in the formerly FARC-controlled zone.

Catholic Relief Services also cited concern for other parts of Colombia. The guerrillas have increased attacks on vital infrastructure throughout the country. These attacks, and movement by various armed actors, have left many communities totally isolated, without access to electricity, running water, food, fuel, outside medical attention, or information about the situation developing around them.

"If the armed conflict continues without a return to peace negotiations, the humanitarian situation will undoubtedly deteriorate further," Hoffman said. "Increased numbers of deaths, rising internal displacement, and worsening refugee situations in neighboring Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama are all likely, with the worst yet to come."

The Colombian Armed Forces have indicated that the campaign to retake the formerly FARC-controlled zone will last at least six months, with aerial bombardment expected to continue another six weeks. The FARC will undoubtedly continue their campaign of attacks throughout the country, and intensified conflict between guerrilla and paramilitary forces is also anticipated.

Hoffman noted that Catholic Relief Services stands in support of the Colombian Bishops' statement that "dialogue and negotiation are the way to overcome conflict and establish a culture of peace." CRS fully supports the Bishops' offer to accompany any new initiative that will help Colombia in its efforts for peace.

Catholic Relief Services has worked in Colombia since 1954 and currently runs its programs there from Ecuador, where the agency has worked since 1955. As an agency of the U.S. Catholic bishops, CRS launched its program In Solidarity with Colombia in response to requests by Colombian Catholic Church organizations to address the injustices in the country occurring as a result of the illegal drug trade and more than 30 years of civil war.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org