Colombia: One Country, Many Conflicts

PBI has been working in conflict areas, mainly in situations of internal armed conflict, since 1983.

When, in 1993, due to numerous requests, we began a study in Colombia to evaluate the viability of our work there, we knew that the challenge was enormous. The conflict in Colombia is complex and long-lived; it concerns an extensive country with profound regional differences.

At the end of our study, when we decided to begin our work, the initial difficulties still existed, but we knew we could rely on one fundamental factor: the determination of many Colombians to resolve these conflicts and their commitment to the unconditional respect for human rights.

Since then, PBI has joined efforts with numerous international entities which work towards the same end; that of seeking respect for human rights and the peaceful, negotiated resolution to Colombian conflicts.

PBI Colombia is the fruit of many joined labours, from both within and outside of PBI: dozens of volunteers on the ground and in the office, from national PBI groups, people from many other organisations and institutions who support us, and the essential collaboration and financial support of numerous NGOs, agencies and institutions. We thank you all!

The Colombian conflict is complex and interrelated. With this précis, we hope to present a simple interpretation of it.

The Internal Armed Conflict

The main armed players are:

• The Colombian Security Forces
• ‘United Self-Defence of Colombia’ (AUC) or ‘paramilitaries’
• Insurgent Groups (FARC, the National Liberation Army and the Popular Liberation Army)
• New armed groups which have emerged as a result of demobilisation, the Black Eagles and the New Generation

Massive scale human rights violations include: constant attacks by armed forces against human rights defenders; the displaced population and the civil population in general; the internal displacement of more than 3 million people in 10 years; so-called ‘social cleansing’ with attacks against marginalised social minorities; drug-trafficking, the production and distribution of illegal drugs.

The ‘Justice and Peace Law’, since the year 2005, paramilitary groups have sought refuge in the Justice and Peace Law, which promotes the social reintegration of disarmed paramilitaries. According to many Colombian NGOs, the law does not comply with international standards of truth and justice or reparation for victims.

Confronting conflict

In this difficult context, the role of civil society augments, and within that, the role of Colombian human rights organisations and displaced communities. They work, in the worst conditions of physical and moral safety, to condemn the situation and to promote respect for human rights and social justice.

Key information on Colombia:

Capital: Bogotá
Area: 1 138 914 sq km
Population: 35.1 million
State and Government: Presidential Republic
President (2006 elections): Álvaro Uribe Vélez