UN Raises Alarm Over Growing Strength of Armed Groups in Colombia

Bogotá, Feb 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the growing influence of armed groups in Colombia, highlighting escalating violence despite ongoing peace efforts. The latest UN report reveals that criminal factions continue to engage in kidnappings, assassinations, and forced displacements, severely impacting vulnerable communities.

Ongoing Violence and Human Rights Abuses

According to the annual report by the UN Human Rights Office, various armed groups—including leftist guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and drug cartels—were responsible for 252 deaths in multiple massacres last year.

Key findings from the report include:

• 89 human rights defenders were murdered.
• 216 children, mostly from Indigenous communities, were forcibly recruited into armed groups.
• Thousands of civilians were displaced due to violent clashes.

“Violence perpetrated by non-State armed groups and criminal organizations in Colombia continues to blight people’s lives and rip apart the social fabric of communities across the country,” the UN stated.

Peace Talks and Security Challenges

Despite peace negotiations initiated by President Gustavo Petro, the security situation has worsened in many areas. Analysts suggest that the government’s peace initiatives, including a softer military stance on armed groups, may have contributed to the growing boldness of these factions.

The root of the issue dates back to the 2016 peace deal, which led to the disarmament of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). However, the government failed to establish control over former FARC strongholds, allowing new armed groups to take over territories and exploit illicit industries such as drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Worst-Affected Communities

The brunt of the violence is being borne by:

• Indigenous and Afro-descendent communities
• Small-scale farmers
• Residents of conflict-prone regions like Catatumbo

Regional Crisis and Government Response

The UN report also detailed intense fighting in the northeastern Catatumbo region last month, which resulted in dozens of deaths and forced over 50,000 people to flee their homes.

In Bogotá, UN representative Juan Carlos Monge emphasized the urgent need for stronger government intervention. “There has been an expansion and consolidation of armed groups in different parts of the country,” he said, urging the state to establish a presence in conflict areas to ensure human rights protection.

Signs of Progress Amidst Setbacks

Despite the grim picture, the report highlighted some improvements:

• 27% decrease in massacres compared to 2023.
• 15% fewer killings of human rights defenders.
• 20% reduction in forced displacements.

However, the UN warns that unless the Colombian government strengthens its authority in contested regions, armed groups will continue to expand, undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace.

Supplementary Context

• Colombia’s Decades-Long Conflict: The country has been plagued by six decades of violence involving guerrilla groups, paramilitaries, drug cartels, and state forces.
• Challenges of the 2016 Peace Deal: While the demobilization of FARC was a major achievement, other armed groups quickly filled the power vacuum, continuing illegal activities.
• Regional Impact: The instability in Colombia also affects neighboring countries, contributing to cross-border criminal networks and humanitarian crises.

The UN’s warning serves as a critical reminder that peace in Colombia remains fragile, and stronger state intervention is necessary to protect civilians and dismantle criminal organizations.