In 4 days of conflict, more than 11,000 people have been displaced and the death toll has already reached 80.
Calls for respect for International Humanitarian Law.
Given the complexity of the public order situation in Catatumbothe Ombudsman, Iris Marín, delivered a new balance, ensuring that this could be the largest humanitarian crisis that Norte de Santander has experienced, since the numbers of displaced people and deaths are alarming.
“In just four days, 11,000 displaced people are reported and there could be many more. The municipalities most affected by this situation are Teorama, El Tarra, Convention, Hacarí, Ábrego and San Calixto. “explained the Ombudsman.
According to the official, kidnappings and general intimidation against the civilian population continue, who are accused of collaborating with one group or the other for the simple fact of being family members or people close to members of armed groups.
In context:Humanitarian crisis in Norte de Santander worsens: 80 dead and four municipalities confined
“Among the victims are social leaders, peace signatories and people with special constitutional protection, including children. “There are many displaced minors, confined or kidnapped babies, people with disabilities, pregnant women, indigenous people and people with special health needs,” stated Iris Marín.
Added to this are the figures of 80 dead, 20 injured and more than 20 kidnapped, situations that continue to increase as the hours go by.
“The responsibility for these events may lie with a few people, those few people have the possibility of stopping the widespread suffering of Catatumbo,” was the call that the Ombudsman made to the illegal groups.
In the last few hours, the official met with mayors of Catatumbo, social organizations and visited shelters. In the middle of that day, all sectors asked him to make a request to the ELN and the dissidents to respect international humanitarian law.
More information:Governor revealed chilling death toll from conflict between guerrillas in Catatumbo
“Sand requests first of all to strengthen the institutional response under the principles of coordination of the National System of Attention to Victims of Law 1448 of 2011 and with reinforced application of the principles of concurrence and subsidiarity at the level of the government and the national level. Expand the capacity of Forensic Medicine to attend to the autopsies of the bodies that have been extracted. Comprehensive protection for mayors and mayors,” he said.
Finally, the Ombudsman, Iris Marín, asked that humanitarian aid be allowed to pass through and corridors be opened to allow the exit of the population that is still confined.
Source: Integrated Information System
