Colombia
Country Profile/Quick Facts
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For most of the last 40 years Colombia has been wracked by internal conflict. Despite numerous attempts by the government to negotiate peace agreements, the fighting has continued, subjecting over 40 million people to a brutal civil war involving armed groups, the army, national police, paramilitary organizations and drug traffickers.
The conflict has disrupted the country causing extensive suffering among the civilian population and the displacement of millions of people that have fled to safer areas in Colombia or abroad.
The political situation has also had negative effects on the economy. Poverty has increased more than eight percent over the last three years and it is estimated that 40 percent of Colombia's poor are not covered by the health care system.
Working in war torn areas and regions characterized by intense conflict, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) can be found in places where few other humanitarian organizations will venture. To provide assistance and protection to civilians in Colombia, the ICRC maintains regular contact with armed groups. As an organization that is respected by all of Colombia's warring parties, the ICRC is in a position to guarantee rapid emergency response, to lobby combatants to apply the rules of humanitarian law, to monitor for human rights abuses and to help meet the many needs of displaced and isolated persons.
Canadian Red Cross Supports Health Care Projects
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Canadian Red Cross Delegate Lily Montana (far left) with Colombian Red Cross volunteers | |
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To provide assistance for displaced individuals, war-wounded and those living in the most dangerous and isolated regions of Colombia, the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) along with the International Comittee of the Red Cross manages a health care project in the North and South-East of the country.
The project is aimed at re-establishing health care for mainly rural populations who have largely been cut of from health and other state assistance as a result of the conflict.
| Quick Facts
Capital: Bogota |
