It is always amazing to encounter reactions of surprise from my colleagues when I talk about the enormous number of Colombians that fled their homes and land so that they could save their lives. The overwhelming stereotype that confines Colombia to being the biggest producer and exporter of cocaine in the world often obscures the daily reality that the average Colombian has to face.

Almost one in ten Colombians has fled because of general insecurity and violence, as a consequence of direct threats or from being caught in the crossfire between different armed groups, including the Colombian National Army. The impact of so many forcibly displaced people on the country’s well-being is devastating.

Rural displaced families tend to seek safety in urban centers, but they are often ostracized by the local population and/or local authorities. The displaced people have little capacity to access jobs because their skills are inappropriate for the urban labor market. Their children have difficulties to access school and when they do, they cannot attend for long because of the urgency to find additional money to support the family. When groups of displaced families try to organize themselves in order to gain greater access to social services and opportunities, their leaders face pressure and receive death threats, often forcing them to flee again.

The many destitute people cramped in crowded and underserved urbanized centers pose serious security threats and represent a breeding ground for criminal and drug gangs. If only for this reason, providing a sustainable solution for these people should be a national priority of the Colombian government at this point in time. Displaced families could get their stolen or lost lands back and receive help to return in safety and dignity, if they wish. Or alternatively, uprooted families could receive better security, housing and access to meaningful incomes, so that they could live in dignity in their current locations.

But insecurity is dangerously spreading beyond Colombian borders. The Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that at least 110,000 and 135,000 Colombians in Venezuela and Ecuador respectively, need international protection. Other sources indicate that these numbers are very conservative and those at risk could be double than those figures. Border areas are becoming increasingly insecure with illegal armed groups expanding their presence and activities.

As a consequence, diplomatic relations between Colombia and some of its neighbors are strained, and too little effort has been made to work out a collegial solution. These indications of the “regionalization” of the conflict and increasing tensions should ring an alarm for the Obama administration, which has an opportunity to play an honest broker and restore stronger relations between Colombia and its neighbors. The U.S. could start by helping Colombian refugees and supporting both humanitarian agencies and neighboring governments who are hosting refugees.

-Andrea Lari

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