Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 05 | 01 - 31 May 2012

In this issue Over 1,500 massively displaced in May P.1 HIGHLIGHTS Civilians suffer the impact of hostilities P.2 • UN Special Representaive Violence hinders access to education P.3 on sexual violence in conflict visits Colombia. Increase in volcanic activity P.5 OCHA / Margarita Palacios • Number of people massively displaced drops in May but new areas were affected. UN Special Representative addresses sexual • Civilians are victims of grave violence in Colombia´s armed conflict violations in the middle of hostilities. Children are the Persistence of SGBV as a war weapon and impunity are the main challenges most affected. In Colombia, sexual and gender-based violence is perpetrated in the context of the armed conflict. Due to a lack of data, the magnitude of the problem has not yet been • Rainfall levels decrease in documented. Many victims fail to report abuse for fear of retaliation or due to limited most part of the Country. capacities of State institutions. Of particular concern is the lack of an adequate system to Nevado del Ruiz and protect victims. Greater prevention efforts, better assistance and ending impunity are re- volcanos are in activity. quired to address widespread SGBV and the suffering of victims. These were among the main conclusions and recommendations of the UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Margot Wallström, during a 16 to 20 May visit to Colombia. The FIGURES SRSG met with senior Colombian authorities, civil society organizations, representatives People mas- of ethnic groups, victims and ex-combatants. Afro-Colombian and indigenous groups sively displaced 12,100 called the attention of Ms. Wallström regarding the high vulnerability of women in their in 2012 (est.) communities. Women killed/ injured by APM/ 17 UXO in 2012 Women and girls are frequent victims of violence Land restitution Five women were killed in various municipalities during the reporting period. One of requests (by 14,719 these killings triggered a mass displacement in (see Displace- May) ment section below). According to local sources, at least 66 women have been killed in Antioquia department in 2012. Also in Antioquia, a case of sexual exploitation of children by post-demobilization armed groups was reported in May. Local organizations in have also raised awareness of increased violence against women in recent years. In Valle del Cauca and Cauca, three women were killed by an APM, raising the total number of female victims in 2012 to 19.1 Forced displacement Over 1,500 people displaced in nine mass events At least nine mass displacements were recorded in May, affecting over 1,500 people. Compared to April, the number of affected people dropped by 50 per cent. In all cases, IDPs left rural areas or small urban centres and sought safe haven in urban and densely populated areas. Hostilities continue to be the main cause of mass displacement (78 per cent of the events). Selective killings and mine risk also triggered mass displace- ments. Small scale displacements -fewer than 50 people- were reported in Antioquia and Bolívar departments, both related with threats by post-demobilization armed groups.

Cauca department continues as the most affected with at least 680 IDPs in two munici- palities (Miranda and Guapi). Despite the grave impact of armed hostilities in the depart- ment, clashes continue and civilans remain at risk (see Protection of Civilians section below).

1 Official data reports 13 girls and 4 women victims of APM/UXO between January and April. Source:PAICMA . Colombia Humanitarian Bulletin | 2

Hostilities trigger displacements in Despite the grave coca eradication areas impact that armed In , hostilities and hostilities have al- landmine contamination continue to forcibly displace civilians. In May, ready caused in Cauca around 600 people were displaced department, clashes in Roberto Payán municipality (for continue and civilians more information see OCHA Situa- remain at risk. tion Reports in Spanish). In this area, the FARC is targeting police units that escort civilians involved in manual eradication of coca crops. In Norte de Santander, non-State armed actors attacked a police escort of manual eradicators, leaving seven policemen killed and 16 injured. Nearly 13 families were displaced towards Cúcuta (depart- mental capital) following the attack. In Putumayo department, more than 80 IDPs arrived in a rural village fleeing from clashes and mine risk in eradica- tion areas. In the same area, a 4-year- Department # IDPs # events old boy and his grandmother were killed 1. Cauca 685 3 2. Nariño 420 1 by an anti-personnel mine (APM). 3. Risaralda 150 1 4. Putumayo 84 1 Worsening security conditions trig- 5. Antioquia 75 1 ger new mass displacements 6. Caqueta 65 1 In northern and north east of Antioquia 7. Norte de Santander 65 1 department, Caquetá and Risaralda departments, mass displacements are Figure 1: People displaced in mass events, May an indicator of the deteriorating security conditions. In Risaralda, indigenous people fled their homes out of fear of clashes between the Army and non-State armed groups. At least 150 indigenous people arrived in a remote area bordering Chocó department. Ongo- ing hostilities in the area -considered strategic by non-State armed groups- and the impact of the past two rainy seasons have increased the vulnerabilities of indigenous people living on 32 reservations.2 In Antioquia department, more than 30 people were displaced in the rural area of Segovia and Remedios municipalities -north of Antioquia department- due to acts of vio- lence and threats by post-demobilization armed groups active in the region. Among the IDPs were 10 teachers from Remedios who were forced to abandon their posts in a rural school. In Toledo, 23 people were displaced due to the killing of a woman, allegedly by the FARC. In Ca- quetá department, hostilities between the Army and the FARC triggered the displacement of at least 21 families (100 people) towards the urban seats of El Doncello and Florencia munici- palities. There are reports of increasing hostilities and attacks on civilians in the department that could trigger further displacements.

Response continues, but some gaps remain uncovered Local and national authorities have activated response mechanisms through local Committees for Transitional Justice in most of the areas affected by mass displacements. However, follow- up mechanisms and prevention measures are still a challenge for local and national authori- ties. Local Humanitarian Teams have identified an increasing number of displacements that end up in spontaneous and unaccompanied returns in spite of unresolved risks.

The main gaps in the response to mass displacements in May were psychosocial assistance, WASH and adequate temporary shelter. In Cauca and Nariño, intermittent displacements have caused the abandonment of staple crops thus affecting indigenous and rural communities’ livelihoods.

2 Communal lands anciently inhabited by indigenous groups that count with legal protection by the Colombian Constitution.

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In some areas of Antio- In some areas of Cauca, Nariño and Antioquia, classes and social welfare programmes for quia, Cauca, La Gua- children under five years old were temporarily suspended due to threats against teachers and the use of schools as shelters. Structural gaps in the health system and poor access jira, Nariño and Norte to safe water hindered emergency assistance for IDPs Nariño, Norte de Santander and the de Santander, classes Pacific coast. and social welfare pro- grammes for children Humanitarian partners are strengthening coordinated emergency response capacities through training initiatives and are setting up a rapid response mechanisms to complement under five years old the State´s response when and where needed. In northern Cauca, indigenous organizations were temporarily sus- have implemented response protocols, supported by humanitarian organizations. pended due to threats against teachers, Protection of civilians ongoing hostilities and the use of schools as Civilians are victims of grave violations amid of hostilities Grave violations against civilians during hostilities were reported in May in at least eight shelters. departments: Cauca, Caquetá, Putumayo, Bolívar, Norte de Santander, Meta, Arauca and Antioquia. Violations include civilian casualties, occupation of schools, forced displacement, mobility restrictions, forced recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and temporary suspension of school classes. As compared to April, hostilities are on the rise. One civilian was killed and at least 27 (including a child) were injured during clashes or attacks on mili- tary units by non-State armed groups.

Children at high risk in rural and urban areas Forced recruitment of children and adolescents by non-State armed groups was denounced in May by child welfare authorities in the departments of Bolívar, Casanare, Córdoba, Meta and Putumayo. Reported incidents recorded by OCHA increased by 150 per cent over April. One indicator of the scope of ongoing recruitment remains the number of children captured or injured in the context of military operations. The situation of children in Putumayo is par- ticularly concerning, as non-State armed are allegedly using schools to conduct indoctrina- tion. As reported in February issue, the suspension of school meals in 52 boarding schools of the department led to an increase in school dropouts, thus increasing the risks of forced recruitment. Local and international organizations have supported some of the schools and continue advocating for a proper response to this situation. Authorities in Córdoba report that children remain at high risk of recruitment by non-State armed groups, and involve- ment in illegal mining in at least 17 out of 30 municipalities. Indigenous communities remain particularly vulnerable.

Hostilities and landmines lead to suspension of school activities Ongoing hostilities, the presence of landmines in or near educational facilities, and threats by non-State armed groups against teachers led to the suspension of school classes in vari- ous municipalities of Antioquia, Cauca, La Guajira, Nariño and Norte de Santander. Suspen- sions affected over 3,000 children both in rural and urban areas. At the time of issuing this report, rural communities remain at-risk of confinement due to continued clashes and fears of landmines. In Cauca department, a 9-year-old indigenous boy was killed by an unexplod- ed Ordnance (UXO). Humanitarian Access Main constraints to humanitarian access in May were related to an increase in roadblocks and checkpoints manned by non-state armed groups. Incidents and accidents by improvised explosive devices (IED), threats and weather-induced restrictions were also reported.

Restrictions, clashes and ERW limit communities’ mobility Roadblocks and checkpoints manned by armed groups were reported in Antioquia, Arauca, Caquetá, Cauca, Córdoba, Meta and Norte de Santander. In Tierralta municipality (Córdo- ba) reports indicate that a post-demobilization armed group has limited the quantity of food purchases and imposed night curfews on river transportation. According to local authori- ties the FARC has imposed restrictions on mobility in rural areas of Puerto Leguízamo and Puerto Asís (Putumayo) where manual eradication programmes are ongoing.

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Main constraints to In Antioquia, Caquetá, Tolima and Santander, non-State armed groups have imposed cur- humanitarian access in fews. May were related to an Armed clashes between post-demobilization armed groups caused access constraints along increase in roadblocks the Sierpe River in Chocó (Medio Baudó region). This is the third report of armed clashes and checkpoints between post-demobilization armed groups in this region since November 2011. Humanitar- manned by non-state ian access has been restricted in this area since April, causing delays in the implementation of the UN Joint Programme on the La Niña Phenomenon. Contamination by APM/IED/UXO armed groups. Inci- was reported in rural areas of Arauca, Caquetá, Córdoba, Norte de Santander and Putu- dents and accidents by mayo. Several incidents related to the presence of IED on roads and bridges in the Catatum- improvised explosive bo region (Norte de Santander) and temporarily restricted the mobility of devices (IED), threats communities. In Puerto Asís (Putumayo) landmines have left communities unable to access their farms and places of work, with a severe impact on their livelihoods. At least 18 people and weather-induced (10 civilians) were killed or injured in accidents with APM/UXO and IED3. restrictions were also reported. Threats against aid workers hinder the timely provision of aid Direct threats against aid workers were reported in Nariño and Putumayo departments in May, causing delays or suspensions in humanitarian activities. Threats included extortion and interference with the delivery of humanitarian supplies and missions. A post-demobi- lization armed group also issued a communiqué threatening human rights defenders and humanitarian organizations (including UN Agencies and some of their local counterparts) in various departments and regions of the country.4 In Miraflores (Guaviare), the delivery of humanitarian and medical assistance by local authorities had to be suspended following an IED incident in the urban area.

Weather-induced events cause damages to roads Heavy rains, mudslides and fallen debris rendered secondary roads and bridges inoper- able in Arauca, Córdoba and Norte de Santander Departments. Several municipalities in the western part of Norte de were inaccessible by road for three days due to mudslides and fallen debris and concerns have arisen regarding the impact this may have on commodity prices. Similarly, in Valencia and Planeta Rica municipalities (Córdoba), a number of communities were inaccessible due to heavy rains while several schools in the rural area had to close. In Arauca, poor infrastructure caused a three-weeks delay in the delivery of humanitarian kits by local authorities (donated by the Colombian Red Cross).

Health Cluster assesses challenges for the medical mission The Health Ministry, PAHO/WHO, ICRC, MSF-Spain, Netherlands and France- and the Red Cross -Colombia, Spain and Norway- assessed the challenges faced by medical missions and the current access of IDPs and vulnerable communities to health services in conflict- affected areas of Arauca, Norte de Santander, northern Cauca and Chocó.

Figure 2. Types of access constraints in May Source: SIDIH/OCHA

Armed actions Road blocks Confinement APM/UXO

3 Information gathered by OCHA through the Integrated Information System (SIDIH). Official figures for May are not yet available. 4 Nariño, northern and central Valle del Cauca, Eje Cafetero region, Tolima, La Guajira, Caribbean coast and .

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Rains are starting to Protection of medical workers and facilities remains an area of concern for the Health Cluster. diminish thus leading Armed conflict and structural conditions hinder the population’s access to health services in areas of Arauca, Cauca, Chocó and Norte de Santander. Community-based primary health to a decrease in water care is considered a key strategy to cope with access constraints in vulnerable and conflict- levels, especially in the affected zones. For more information on activities of the health cluster, please visit PAHO/ Andean region. WHO website. Natural disasters Drop in people affected by natural disasters in May During the reporting period, 53,000 people were affected by weather-related events, mostly floods, windstorms and landslides, according to official sources. This represents a 53 per cent decrease compared to April. The most affected departments were Magdalena, Sucre, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, Chocó and Cauca departments. Rains are starting to diminish thus leading to a decrease in water levels, especially in the Andean region. Environmental authorities forecast that this condition will remain until mid-September, when the second rainy season of the year is expected to begin. As a consequence, authorities called have worked to draw attention to possible shortages of potable water, possible increase in cases of tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and cholera, and on possible fire hazards.

Increase in volcanic activity During the period under review, environmental authorities raised the alert level of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano from yellow to orange (possible eruption in the next days or weeks), due to an increase in seismic activity that caused ashes to fall in the city of Manizales (Caldas) and nearby areas. In Nariño department, the volcanology observatory reported an increase in vol- canic activity of the Galeras volcano (emission of gases and ashes). The alert level remains at yellow (changes in volcanic activity). The National Unit for Risk Management activated the Crisis Room and is supporting departmental authorities in updating and reviewing contingency plans. Organizations of the Humanitarian Country Team are liasing with authorities and as- sessing possible support in preparedness activities. Humanitarian Funding WFP pledges $40 million for food security and nutrition More than half a million people in 13 departments will benefit from a new phase of the Pro- tracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO), a food security and nutrition programme jointly developed by WFP, the National Department for Social Prosperity (DPS) and the Na- tional Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) with the support of the National Cooperation Agency (ACP). Since 2000, the PRRO has assisted nearly 6 million people among the most vulner- able communities affected both by armed conflict and natural disasters -particularly children under five, pregnant and lactating women and indigenous communities-. It has also been a landmark strategy to empower women in highly vulnerable contexts. As the co-lead for the Food and Nutrition Cluster –together with FAO and UNICEF- WFP has been raising aware- ness of the nutritional situation in Colombia, one of the issues of main concern within the HCT’s Common Humanitarian Framework.

Extension of UN joint programme to assist people affected by floods The UN Joint Programme to respond to La Niña Phenomenon -in collaboration with the Government- is finalizing its implementation phase along the Pacific coast. The optimization of resources during the implementation phase made possible extended coverage for shelter and food security and nutrition programmes. During May, communities began planting corn and beans and learned to produce organic fertilizer. Also, indigenous women were provided with materials to produce handicrafts. In Chocó, plantain farmers and indigenous communities were trained in entrepreneurship. Food security and early recovery strategies have strength- ened communities’ self-reliance and livelihoods, which were severely affected by floods. In order to create preparedness capacities among communities and local authorities, the pro- gramme is supporting the construction of water storage systems and facilitated trainings in basic sanitation and hygiene.

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Food security and early recovery strate- gies developed by the UN joint programme to respond to the La Niña phenomenon in the Pacific have strengthened commu- nities’ self-reliance and livelihoods, which were severely affected by floods. Credit: OCHA/Margarita Palacios. The Joint Programme of UN agencies to respond to La Niña Phenomenon in the Pacific, supports the produc- tion of local handicrafts, based in local materials. Whille strengthening communitie’s livelihoods, it os also a strategy to empower indigenous women

For further information, please contact: María José Torres, Head of Office, [email protected], Tel. (+571) 6221100 Ext. 1102 María de la Luz Vásquez, Information and Reporting Officer, [email protected], Tel. (+571) 6221100 Ext. 1303 OCHA humanitarian bulletins are available at www.colombiassh.org | www.unocha.org | www.reliefweb.int All the information reflected in this report has been processed by OCHA from official and secondary sources. Data for mass displacement and protection of civilians has been processed by OCHA Colombia through the Integrated Humanitarian Information System. Sources: Unidad Administrativa Especial de Atención y Reparación Integral a las Víctimas (UAEARIV); Uni- dad Administrativa Especial de Gestión para la Recuperación de Tierras Despojadas (UAEGRT), Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF); Programa Presidencial para la Acción Integral contra Minas Antipersonal (PAIMCA); Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD); Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (IDEAM); WFP; PAHO/WHO; UNICEF.

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