Colombia Protection Analysis Update - Norte de Santander

The massive forced displacement in the Catatumbo sub-region of Norte de Santander represents the largest humanitarian crisis in Colombia in recent years. Its location on the border with Venezuela makes it a key corridor for illegal economies, which has intensified the territorial dispute between non-state armed groups (NSAGs). The sub-region continues to be affected by armed conflict and violence, severely affecting the civilian population.

Since January 16, 2025, confrontations between the ELN and FARC EP dissidents (Estado Mayor de Bloques y Frentes – EMBF, Frente 33) have provoked an escalation of violence that has resulted in the forced displacement of more than 62.000 people and the confinement and/or restriction to mobility of around 27.000. According to the DANE population projection 2025, at least 170.396 people reside in the eleven municipalities of Catatumbo, which would imply that around 37% of the population of Catatumbo has been displaced and 16% is confined or with restricted mobility.

Peasant communities, the Motilón Barí and Yukpa Indigenous people, signatories of the Peace Agreement, refugees and migrants, and human rights defenders are particularly affected. Given to the magnitude of the crisis, the Colombian government declared a State of Internal Disturbance in the Catatumbo sub-region, which allows it to issue legislative decrees in order to respond to the causes of the disturbance to public order and prevent the extension of its effects. In coordination with local authorities, they have provided immediate and emergency humanitarian aid in receiving municipalities such as Tibú, Ocaña and Cúcuta. Access restrictions, insecurity and the magnitude of the emergency have overwhelmed institutional capacity, affecting the response in rural and urban areas. Despite coordination efforts and support, humanitarian needs remain critical.

Based on this context, the protection risks that require immediate attention in the period covered by this analysis are:

1. Recruitment, use and utilization of children and adolescents.
2. Attacks on persons and civilian objects protected by IHL.
3. Gender-based violence.
4. Impediments or restrictions to freedom of movement, siege and forced displacement.
5. Presence of mines and other explosive ordnance.