"From the moment that we began to evacuate our land, the children cried from sadness because we were leaving behind all that we had acquired and worked for with so much effort." - Emilio, a displaced Colombian.
Millions Displaced as US Intensifies Conflict
American taxpayer money is assisting an abusive military in a complex 40-year conflict that already has displaced millions of people. Since 1985, two million Colombians have been forced to flee their homes because of increasing violence that disproportionately targets the civilian population. Many Colombians have left their country and many others have been internally displaced, sometimes repeatedly.
Thousands have fled their homes and livelihood in fear of their lives and liberty. Those displaced include individuals, whole families, and even entire communities. All armed actors -- the rightwing paramilitaries, the guerrilla, and the Colombia army -- contribute to the terror that is driving the refugees from their land. In the year 2000 alone, 315,000 people were internally displaced by violence.
Disproportionately Affects Women, Youth, Minorities
Women, children and ethnic minorities are most affected. Reports indicate that women head 32 percent of all displaced families and children who are 14 and under make up 45 percent of those displaced. Many of these vulnerable groups take refuge in the belts of misery that surround the large urban areas. Displaced families search for a better life in urban centers, but instead find more violence, poverty and discrimination. They are met with indifference to their suffering, and often are wrongly blamed for their displacement because they allegedly helped one armed group or another.
Little or No Access to Social Services
Many displaced families meet frustration and tragedy in the city. More than three-quarters of displaced children do not attend school, and two-thirds of uprooted households lack access to health services. The displaced are often accused of delinquency, prostitution, and contributing to unemployment.
Millions of Refugees
In addition to those who have been internally displaced, since 1996 more than 1 million Colombians have fled to other countries. Thousands sought refuge last year in neighboring Ecuador and Venezuela, while tens of thousands migrated to the United States and Europe to escape the conflict. US and Colombian government policies provide some humanitarian assistance, but it falls far short of the concerted effort needed to address the downward spiral of displacement generated by the increased militarization of the conflict.
No Refuge in the US
Many Colombians have sought temporary refuge in the United States on visas that have since expired, leaving them without legal status. They fear deportation to Colombia and the dangers there. More than 100 national and local refugee advocacy groups, religious organizations, immigration and legal services groups, and other non-governmental organizations are urging the Bush Administration to grant Colombians Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS allows extended visas due to conflict in one's home country.
The Numbers
- Since 1996, over 1 million people have fled the country.
- Since 1985, 2 million have been internally displaced.
- In the year 2000 alone 315,000 were displaced.
- 45% of those displaced are children.
- 75% of the conflict's victims are civilians
Courtesy of the National Mobilization on Colombia
