Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a stark warning on September 29, 2023, regarding escalating human rights violations in Colombia’s southern state of Putumayo. The organization highlighted that armed groups are increasingly targeting innocent civilians, particularly Indigenous communities, amidst ongoing peace talks aimed at reducing violence and coca crop production.
According to HRW Americas Director Juanita Goebertus, armed factions in Putumayo are exploiting the peace negotiations to enhance their control over the local population. Goebertus stated, “Armed groups in Putumayo are using the peace talks as an opportunity to tighten their control over the population… While the peace talks focus on decreasing coca crops, armed groups are imposing their own rules in Putumayo and severely punishing those who disobey.”
During HRW’s visit to several affected areas, including Puerto Asís, Mocoa, Orito, and La Hormiga, residents expressed their fears of reprisals from these armed groups. Many victims reported being coerced into burying homicide victims’ bodies to conceal the extent of violence. A pervasive atmosphere of fear has led some villagers to participate in protests, such as the “Araña,” which called for the release of armed group leaders, including Geovany Anés Rojas. Additionally, Indigenous authorities and humanitarian workers revealed that civilians have been forced to cultivate coca and supply it to these armed factions.
The abuses extend further, with reports of child recruitment from rural boarding schools and through social media platforms. Armed groups have also instituted curfews and imposed restrictions on the cultural practices of Indigenous communities.
Longstanding Violence and Peace Efforts
The ongoing violence in Putumayo, which shares borders with Ecuador and Peru, has been a critical issue that the Colombian government, under President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego, has sought to address through peace negotiations initiated in 2023. The dialogue aims to foster transparency with armed groups that the government recognizes as having both political and criminal motivations.
These peace talks have led to some progress, with the Colombian government reaching an agreement with the armed group Estado Mayor of Blocs and Fronts (EMBF) on six major points. Key components of the accord include conflict de-escalation, prioritization of land and environmental access, and halting the recruitment of child soldiers. Despite these advancements, HRW insists that significant work remains to be done to protect vulnerable populations.
Impact of Ongoing Conflict on Communities
A recent report from the UN Security Council revealed alarming statistics regarding the plight of children in these conflict zones. The report noted that children are frequently subjected to violence, including attacks on schools and kidnappings. Indigenous children and those of African descent in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and physical violence, often caught in the crossfire of armed confrontations.
Furthermore, the report indicated a staggering increase in mass displacement in Putumayo, rising by more than 1,000 percent from 2022 to 2023. This surge has had a detrimental impact on civilian livelihoods, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
As the Colombian government continues its peace efforts, the international community is urged to pay close attention to the situation in Putumayo. The pressing need for protective measures for Indigenous communities and the enforcement of human rights standards remains critical in the face of ongoing violence.
