The 15 Goldin Institute Fellows who live and work in Colombia as social justice advocates, community leaders, and activists are on the frontlines of an unfolding crisis. On Monday, January 20, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency in response to escalating violence in the northeastern region of Catatumbo, near the Venezuelan border. For us Fellows living and working in the country, we have been witnessing this growing violence and social upheaval. Although the violence remains concentrated in the northeastern region, its impact has rippled throughout the nation. For our Fellows, this escalating crisis is not just a distant issue—it is something we are living through daily, as we continue our work on the frontlines of social justice, all while confronting the very real threats posed by armed groups and political instability.
The current spike in violence has been fueled by territorial disputes between two armed groups—the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)—has, as of January 27, 2025, claimed the lives of over 100 people and forcibly displaced 48,000 individuals. Those displaced have sought refuge at nearby safe zones, including a large soccer stadium.
Over forty thousand people have been forced to leave everything behind, fleeing to protect their lives and those of their families from a war that does not belong to them. Girls and boys see how their innocence fades and their dreams are cut short in the midst of the conflict. I will always be concerned about the future of war; what will come for these people is uncertain. They have lost their homes, their belongings, their hopes, and they only arrive with what they are wearing. Our immediate response has been to prioritize those requiring humanitarian assistance. Resources are scarce though. We have had thousands of people register as displaced who we are trying to get urgent shelter for. There is not enough food. We have families of up to 8 people sleeping on a single mattress – Natasha Duque, Goldin Institute Fellow and Country Director of O.L.I Colombia
The two armed groups are vying for control over key drug trafficking routes in the coca-growing region, with the ELN launching large-scale violent operations against FARC members, including former FARC fighters who signed the peace agreement with the government in 2016. What was once hailed as a promising peace deal, seen by many Colombians as a step toward stability, is now being undermined by the very forces of violence and instability it sought to resolve.
The human toll of this crisis is devastating. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs, leaving behind their belongings, livelihoods, and any sense of stability. Some parents are fearful that their children will be forcibly recruited into the ELN so are sending them to live with relatives outside of the region, to avoid immediate threat of conscription. Social leaders, peace activists, and signatories of the peace deal have been killed or gone missing.
Colombia had experienced relative peace since 2016, following the historic peace agreement between the government and the FARC, which led to the demobilization of about 13,000 fighters. Citizens began to see what peacetime might look like, with reduced violence and fear, though low-level conflict persisted in some areas. While violence is not new to Colombia, the scale and intensity of this crisis are unprecedented, quickly escalating into one of the largest humanitarian disasters in the country’s history.
In response to the escalating violence, our grassroots leaders in Colombia have intensified their efforts to provide vital assistance to displaced people near the border. They are mobilizing resources and volunteers to offer temporary shelter, medical consultations, and healthcare. However, they are operating with limited funds and urgently need our support.
We need all the help possible. We need hands and efforts to support our staff. We need help making emergency distribution kits. We have pregnant women, babies and children, and elderly all in need of urgent care – Yoana Florez Nunez, Global Fellow residing in Cucuta
There are two key ways you can help:
- Support local grassroots efforts to assist affected communities: Activists on the frontlines know exactly what is needed and can direct funds and resources where they are most effective. Through organizations like O.L.I. Colombia, Fellows are providing critical support to those affected by violence and instability. From emergency shelter to advocating for peace, your donation will make a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most. 100% of funds donated to the Goldin Institute through this link will be sent directly to Fellow-led efforts in Colombia.
- Share this story of local leadership: to help raise awareness about the crisis and the power of solidarity with those closest to the issue. Use your social media platforms to highlight the situation and engage with policymakers and organizations working in the region to advocate for humanitarian support.
Although resources are limited, the power of solidarity and unity shines through as communities and volunteers unite to assist those in need. Your support, whether by donating or advocating, can create a lasting impact.
