ACTION AGAINST HUNGER WARNS OF THE SEVERITY OF THE HUMANITARIAN CRISIS in Catatumbo: The Largest Population Displacement in Colombia in Nearly 30 Years
The intensification of armed conflict in the Colombian region of Catatumbo, on the border with Venezuela, has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, leading to the largest displacement of people recorded in the country in 28 years.
Despite the extreme insecurity in the region making it difficult to accurately count direct or indirect victims in rural areas, it is estimated that 27,381 people face mobility restrictions or are at risk of confinement, and 8,668 are unable to leave their homes or shelters. Among the most affected groups are the indigenous Barí communities, migrants or those in irregular migration situations, children and adolescents, as well as women and girls, who are increasingly exposed to gender-based violence.
Trapped in a Spiral of Violence
The municipalities of Tibú, Cúcuta, Ocaña, Teorama, El Tarra, Ábrego, San Calixto, and Convención are experiencing the most intense humanitarian emergency in Catatumbo. This mountainous region, located between Colombia’s Eastern Cordillera and Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo, is rich in natural resources and strategically positioned along the border, making it historically one of the most affected by Colombia’s armed conflict involving non-state armed groups. The recent escalation of violence has forced tens of thousands of people to migrate and confined thousands more, overwhelming healthcare systems and increasing the risk of a food crisis, as accessing and distributing food in this context is extremely difficult.
Between January 17 and 19, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that 700 people were fleeing daily to Venezuela to escape non-state armed groups. Additionally, numerous internal displacements have occurred under dangerous conditions due to the lack of a humanitarian corridor ensuring safe movement. Many residents were initially housed in hotels and later moved to overcrowded shelters. Others have been unable to leave their homes and lack access to essential services and resources.
The increased demand for healthcare has further strained local health services in Tibú, Teorama, Convención, and Hacarí. On February 19, the Norte de Santander Department of Health announced it was suspending all medical activities outside hospitals, except for emergencies.
Given the massive displacement, it is urgent to improve and strengthen shelters, which are currently insufficient and inadequate. Infrastructure improvements are needed to mitigate overcrowding, reduce the impact of environmental hazards, and ensure security. The lack of lighting and reliable facilities further increases exposure to gender-based violence, abuse, conflicts, and theft—issues already reported in these spaces. Additionally, reaching the thousands of people who remain isolated or facilitating their safe mobility is also critical.
Food and Safe Water: Two Scarce Resources
Amid this crisis, where medical care, essential medicines, first-aid kits for confined populations, and educational support are urgently needed, Action Against Hunger is focusing its efforts on providing nutritional assistance and ensuring access to water, sanitation, and hygiene—critical to preventing food insecurity and the spread of waterborne diseases, which are exacerbated by overwhelmed health facilities and inadequate sewage systems.
In collaboration with local public entities and several international organizations, between January 22 and March 18, Action Against Hunger provided 3,307 humanitarian services in Catatumbo. To date, the organization has distributed 632 hygiene kits with a gender-sensitive approach, 361 dignity kits, 33 prenatal kits, and 110 food kits benefiting 532 people. Additionally, 398 water bags and 47 water filters have been provided, serving 220 people.
In parallel, the organization has delivered 358 nutritional medical assistance services, 26 psychosocial support services, and one sexual and reproductive health service. Furthermore, 773 key message campaigns have been conducted to prevent exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment, along with 523 campaigns addressing their link to water, sanitation, and hygiene—an issue specifically addressed through 107 dedicated initiatives. Lastly, 85 campaigns have been carried out to promote safe water consumption in maternal breastfeeding.
According to the latest census by the Norte de Santander Local Coordination Team, which is updated periodically, there are 46,500 children affected by the conflict in Catatumbo, along with 962 indigenous people and 4,737 migrants and refugees. While the population’s needs continue to grow, ongoing violence makes it difficult to deliver humanitarian and governmental aid to all those in need. After providing support in Tibú and Ocaña, Action Against Hunger is currently operating in shelters and integration centers in Cúcuta, the most populated of the affected municipalities.
