Colombia faced its harshest humanitarian toll in a decade in 2025, with rising displacement, more civilians injured by explosives, and tighter civilian movement amid ongoing conflict. This page answers the most common questions people ask about that year, the current displacement trends, the role of armed groups, and what international actors are proposing to stabilize the region. It also points to where help is most needed and what to watch for in 2026.
According to the ICRC, 2025 saw sharp increases in displacement, more civilians harmed by explosives, and stricter controls on civilian movement as armed groups vied for territory during an electoral period. Longstanding conflict dynamics—rebels, government forces, and criminal groups—continue to disrupt daily life, drive displacement, and threaten civilian safety. The year’s toll is framed by intensified violence, political tensions, and ongoing peace talks that created volatility across regions such as Norte de Santander.
Displacement rose significantly in 2025, with families fleeing violence and restrictions. The most urgent aid includes safe shelter, food and clean water, medical care for those injured by explosives, protective services for vulnerable populations, and access to essential services like education and utilities. International and local partners emphasize rapid, predictable aid to hotspot areas to prevent further displacement and to sustain communities that remain in transit or inside conflict zones.
Explosive devices and improvised weapons have caused a notable share of civilian injuries, while armed groups increasingly constrain movement and shelter access. Communities are adapting by organizing local safety networks, seeking humanitarian corridors, and demanding accountability through international bodies. Peace talks and regional diplomacy are cited as potential pathways to reduce civilian harm, though progress is linked to broader political dynamics and on-the-ground security conditions.
International organizations are advocating for a mix of humanitarian access, protection for civilians, and renewed political dialogue. Proposals include expanding aid delivery and monitoring, establishing and upholding safe corridors, accountability for violations, and supporting stabilization efforts tied to sustainable peace processes. These ideas aim to reduce violence, address root causes of displacement, and help communities recover with essential services and economic support.
Hotspots include Norte de Santander and surrounding border areas, where displacement and clashes have been prominent. Help is most needed in areas with high displacement density, where civilians lack access to shelter, food, medical care, and safe movement. International agencies emphasize prioritizing these regions to prevent further humanitarian deterioration and to support local resilience and reintegration efforts.
The electoral period amplified political violence and raised concerns about civilian protection. In 2026, watch for ongoing security assessments, shifts in displacement patterns, and the status of peace talks between the government and armed groups. Observers expect continued calls for dialogue, increased humanitarian access, and targeted aid to vulnerable communities as the situation evolves.
One attack involved a police raid, while the other took place on a palm farm, killing rural labourers.