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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]

CAFOD spent £573,000 in Colombia in 2008

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. UN sources talk of a "complete paramilitarisation of Colombia", reinforcing an unjust social and economic system, and imposing severe limitations on dissent or opposition.

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

John Dew, British Ambassador to Colombia, meets with the manager of the new restaurant - one of the 25 small businesses supported by AIPODE programme [SNPS]

Colombia: New jobs, new start

The British Ambassador to Colombia has praised our work to reduce poverty and support displaced and vulnerable people in the country’s southern region

Mary Luz Avendano and Rocio Castaneda Cisneros from Reporteros de Colombia outside the Guardian building, London

Colombia: Risking lives to report the truth

Many journalists in Colombia have been killed for speaking out. But one project – supported by our partner CINEP - protects reporters by allowing them to publish under the group’s name

Learning to live free of violence

Two mothers tell how training from a CAFOD partner helped their community stand up to threats and abuse from armed groups involved in Colombia's long-running conflict

Eva Darare works with CAFOD partner the Diocese of Marsabit, supporting both men and women through gender development initiatives [Georgina Cranston]

Tackling domestic violence worldwide

Showcasing the work of our partners around the world tackling domestic abuse

Father René Rey, project co-ordinator of the mobile health unit at Fundación EUDES [CAFOD]

Direct message to those at risk

Fundación EUDES is a church-based organisation, providing care and support to vulnerable groups living with HIV and AIDS in Colombia

Father Mauricio Garcia is director of CAFOD partner CINEP [CAFOD]

Action for peace in Colombia

Father Mauricio García urges international pressure on the Colombian government to continue working for solutions to the country’s long conflict

Partner killed "by paramilitaries"

CAFOD calls for Colombian government to investigate the murder of a partner working with those living in one of the most conflict-torn areas of the country

The bishop from the battle-zone

Bishop Francisco Javier Múnera does his pastoral visits on horseback and by boat on the edge of the Amazon rainforest - one of the most dangerous areas in the country

Mgr. Hector Fabio Henao (left) director of the Social Department of the Bishop's Conference in Colombia, at the launch of the national Stations of the Cross [Annie Bungeroth]

Church serving the people

Mgr. Hector Fabio Henao is director of the Social Department of the Bishop's Conference. He outlines why the church has the right to be involved in the struggle for peace

Published on 30/07/2003, last updated on 10/06/2009

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