Full Breakdown
Colombia’s Conflict Reaches Decade-Worst Humanitarian Toll in 2025
5/13/2026, 7:02:01 AM
2025 Humanitarian Crisis: Core Findings
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports that 2025 recorded the worst civilian impact in a decade. Official figures show 235,619 individually displaced, 87,069 in mass displacement events, and 117,000–176,730 confined by curfews. Explosive devices injured or killed 965 people, 622 civilians, a 34 % rise. Disappearances rose 22 % to 308, and health workers faced 282 attacks.
Background & Key Actors
Colombia’s six-decade war pits state forces against left-wing guerrillas, criminal gangs and the ELN. The 2016 peace accord disarmed the FARC, but dissident factions persisted, fighting over drug routes and gold. Key non-state actors now include ELN units in Catatumbo, FARC dissident commander “Ivan Mordisco,” and criminal syndicates in Norte de Santander, Cauca and Chocó. President Gustavo Petro’s government promotes a negotiated “Total Peace” plan, while the ICRC monitors compliance with IHL.
Impact on Civilians
Armed clashes in populated areas forced families indoors, cutting off water, food, health care and schooling. Lockdowns in small communities rose almost 100 %, deepening fear and weakening social cohesion. Drone and explosive attacks increased lethal risk. Norte de Santander accounted for 42 % of individual and 67 % of mass displacement; Cauca suffered 46 % of explosive injuries; Chocó held 29 % of confined populations.
Official Statements
ICRC chief Olivier Dubois said the 2025 humanitarian picture reflects a “progressive deterioration” first flagged in 2018 and urged all parties to avoid combat in civilian zones, adopt feasible precautions and respect IHL. Colombian authorities released the displacement and casualty data but have not announced new policy steps.
Opposition to “Total Peace”
Right-wing politicians deem Petro’s negotiation-focused “Total Peace” plan too permissive. Presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella warned that anyone who attacks the people or security forces will face “an iron fist.”
Conflicting Figures
The ICRC report lists 176,730 confined persons, while another source cites 117,000, showing a discrepancy. Disappearance counts vary between 308 and 226, and attribution of attacks to specific groups remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The humanitarian situation in 2025 results from progressive deterioration that the ICRC has warned about since 2018,” — Olivier Dubois, ICRC chief of mission in Colombia
- “The impact of armed conflicts has become part of the daily lives of communities,” — Olivier Dubois, head of the ICRC Delegation in Bogotá
- “is not optional.” — Olivier Dubois, ICRC
- “Anyone who goes out to cause disturbances and attack me, the people, or the security forces will face an iron fist,” — Abelardo de la Espriella, presidential candidate
What’s Next
The May 31 presidential election will test the “Total Peace” agenda against hard-line security platforms. The outcome could reshape negotiations with armed groups and affect future IHL compliance.
