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Colombia

More than three million people in Colombia have been forced to flee their homes during decades of fighting between guerrilla groups, paramilitaries and the army - the highest number of displaced people in the world after Sudan [CARITAS Colombia/CAFOD]

Colombia is a country ravaged by violent conflict between the state and guerrilla groups, with its citizens suffering from gross human rights violations

Conflict has caused more than four million people to flee their homes, while the government has diverted resources away from investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The paramilitaries are also increasing political and economic power, often by taking over the lands of the displaced, and UN sources talk of a "complete paramilitarisation of Colombia".

The conflict reinforces an unjust social and economic system, and imposes severe limitations on dissent or opposition - from 1991 to 2006, 98 journalists were murdered.

CAFOD spent £687,000 in Colombia in 2008/09

Many have been forced into exile, kidnapped or silenced due to threats and intimidations from guerrilla groups, drug traffickers, state officials and paramilitary groups.

Colombia: Bringing outside hidden violence in the home

Maria Chavez, from our partner Avanzar, explains how she helps women and children speak out against domestic violence and reconstruct their lives

Colombia: Reporting news in a hostile place

We are joining forces with The Guardian Foundation to work with local Colombian journalists on reporting stories in hostile environments

Director Chris Bain calls for a vision of the future based on the common good

Voting for the common good

CAFOD director Chris Bain explains why, wherever we put our cross on the ballot paper this election, we must look for a vision of a future based on the common good.

Photogallery: Creating peace amid conflict

Colombia has the highest number of displaced people in the world after Sudan, with millions forced to flee their homes during decades of fighting

Children in Arauca, Colombia welcome the arrival of the cross from Casanare. This is the last stage of the Stations of the Cross [Annie Bungeroth]

Carta da Colômbia

"Os senhores, que governam o destino do mundo, têm em suas mãos a decisão de transformá-lo em um grande depósito de lixo, ou em um jardim"

Published on 30/07/2003, last updated on 26/10/2009

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CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Colombia