OCHA Situation Report
Colombia
29 May - 4 June 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

I. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

1. MASS DISPLACEMENTS ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST, CAUCA AND NARI=D1O

Communities remain at risk along the southern Pacific Coast on account
of continued confrontations between illegal armed groups and the Army.
Mass displacements occurred in Guapi and Lopez de Micay municipalities
(department of Cauca) and in Roberto Pay=E1n, Narino (May 29th). The Early
Warning System of the Ombudsman's Office reported clashes between FARC
and ELN caused the displacement of 25 families to the urban area of
Guapi ?at first reluctant to register at the IDPs Official Registry
(SIPOD) fearing threats from an illegal armed group-. That source also
reported 233 people (44 families) arrived to the urban area of Lopez de
Micay, caused by alleged threats against communities, as well as by
armed confrontations between FARC and the Navy Infantry. 32% of the
displaced are women, 26% children under age five, 25% men and 17%
children from six to ten years of age. IASC actors in the field met June
1st to coordinate joint missions to the area. Regarding mass
displacement in Narino, the OCHA Field Office in Cali reported (May
27th) the arrival of 177 families to the urban area of the municipality
of Roberto Pay=E1n, also caused by clashes between FARC and the Army. The
local government and Accion Social are assisting IDPs. However, Accion
Social reported local resources are insufficient, reason for which IDPs
had to be temporarily settled in the town's school. Continued
confrontations pose a high risk of displacement in the rural areas of
Cumbi, Chimbuza, Piri, Bocas de Telembi and Laguna Parambi.

2. INDIGENOUS MISSING AFTER PROTESTS ON THE QUIBD=D3 ? PEREIRA HIGHWAY

The joint verifying commission integrated by the Dioceses of Quibdo and
several INGOs (Christian Aid, Diakonie, Amnesty International and PTM
Mundu Bat) informed 28 people, mostly children, would be missing after
police troops from the Anti-Disturbance Squad (ESMAD) broke-up the
indigenous protest along the Quibdo ? Pereira highway. The mission also
reported there would be 15 indigenous injured, property damages and
detentions (2 nuns were detained 4 hours at the Police Station). Two of
the missing children were found on Wednesday (May 30th) while indigenous
communities are currently searching along the San Juan River for others.
The verifying commission issued a press release reporting the situation
and urging a search for missing persons. Furthermore, it recommended the
National Government to open an investigation on ESMAD actions, assist
the affected populations and meet the agreements previously conveyed
with indigenous communities.

3. FOOD SHORTAGES AND TUBERCULOSIS IN SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA

Indigenous communities inhabiting Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in
northern Colombia report a considerable spread of tuberculosis (251
cases according to local health authorities) and food shortages
attributed to armed blockades issued by rebel and self-defence groups. 3
indigenous have died of this disease since last year (press sources);
however, blockades limit access of medical missions and services to
communities. Local leaders report continued fighting between non-State
armed groups and illegal checkpoints where food supplies are
confiscated, pose serious risks to an indigenous population estimated to
42 thousand. Local health authorities are looking into the possibility
of setting a safe location to provide sick patients with medical
attention, while the situation continues under close monitoring by the
Ombudsman Office's Early Warning System and the Church.

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