Over 300 Displaced Due To Paramilitary Incursion

An incursion by paramilitaries and subsequent armed confrontation between them and guerrilla groups forced a mass displacement of families and the potential confinement of surrounding communities in Peña Azul, Chocó department, in north-western Colombia. The increase in paramilitary activity in the area is placing residents of rural areas of Chocó department at risk.

An incursion by paramilitaries and subsequent armed confrontation between them and guerrilla groups forced a mass displacement of families and the potential confinement of surrounding communities in Peña Azul, Chocó department, in north-western Colombia. The increase in paramilitary activity in the area is placing residents of rural areas of Chocó department at risk.

• Expressing concern for the safety of rural communities Chocó department, given the increase in incursions by paramilitary groups into the area and the continuing presence of other illegal armed groups,
• Urging the authorities to implement protection measures and a safe return or relocation in strict accordance with the wishes of those communities under threat;

• Urging them to take immediate action to dismantle paramilitary groups in line with stated government commitments and recommendations made by the UN and other intergovernmental organizations.

Salutation: Dear Ambassador