The conflict is not particularly noticeable in major cities and among the middle class. The government has put an end to car bombs and other terrorist acts that were once common in Bogotá. However, the poor people in the rural areas remain hugely vulnerable. Women, indigenous groups and people with Afro-Colombian origins are particularly at risk. The illegal armed groups in Colombia can be divided into three different groups: paramilitaries and two major guerrilla movements, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). The EU classes the two guerrilla groups, and the paramilitaries’ umbrella organization, the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), as terrorist organizations. Many paramilitaries have been demobilized in recent years. However, according to the UN’s Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Organization of American States (OAS), they have been replaced by new illegal groups. Also in recent years, the two guerrilla groups have been weakened and forced back by the military.
All the illegal armed groups – and government players – have carried out attacks on the civilian population. Anti-personnel mines are still in use in Colombia, and have killed and injured more people than in any other country. The kidnapping of civilians still occurs. The violence has driven many Colombians from their homes and the country now has 3 million internally displaced people. Every year, a further 2000–3000 people flee their homes.
Weak state presence paves way for narcotics trade
The conflict has its origins in political, social and economic exclusion. There are major gaps between individuals, regions, ethnic groups and between men and women. Although public contributions to the poor have increased, these have not had the desired effect of bridging the gaps in society. The state is well organized at central level. But at local level, the authorities are often absent and find it hard to fulfil people’s basic needs.
Where the state’s presence is weakest, the production and trade of narcotics is most widespread; 60 per cent of the world’s coca, from which cocaine is produced, is grown in Colombia. The trade is controlled by illegal armed groups and the Mafia.
The UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says that the only way of reducing the production of coca is for the farmers to voluntarily switch to other crops. At present, there are few other ways for the farmers to earn money.
Constitutional state
Trust in the judicial system and in local authorities is low among the population. Impunity is widespread.
A major exposé a couple of years ago revealed that there were close ties between local politicians and paramilitaries. Seventy-five parliamentarians have been accused of associating with paramilitaries.
People who work for human rights run a major risk of threats and persecution; murders have even been reported.
Sweden’s focus areas in Colombia:
- Peace and security
- Human rights and democratic governance
- Humanitarian support.
Read more about our work in Colombia
