Armed Conflict & Mass Displacement in Colombia | Rapid Needs Assessment

Executive Summary

A severe humanitarian crisis has erupted following the intensification of violence and subsequent mass displacement of civilians in the Catatumbo region in Colombia’s Norte de Santander department. Since January 15, 2025, there has been increased conflict between rival armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). As a result of this escalating violence, at least 80 people have been killed, more than 52,000 have been displaced, over 8,000 remain in lockdown, and 19,000 are under mobility restrictions due to the conflict. Colombia’s president declared a “state of internal commotion” in Catatumbo on January 22, 2025 in response to the violence and has dispatched thousands of soldiers to the region. Ongoing peace negotiations with the ELN have been suspended and the situation is expected to continue to deteriorate.

Local health systems are heavily impacted, with facilities overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people in need of health services and subsequent shortages of essential medical supplies. The Colombian Departmental Health Institute (IDS by its Spanish acronym) has declared a yellow hospital alert, mobilized response teams, and is coordinating with national and international humanitarian partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).