Colombia emergency
Colombia emergency
Colombia continues to face one of the world’s largest internal displacement crises, with nearly 7 million internally displaced and rising asylum claims abroad amid ongoing violence, armed group activity, and stalled peace efforts.
Countries affected: Argentina | Brazil | Colombia | Ecuador | Panama | Peru | Venezuela
people in Colombia are internally displaced
people in Colombia are in need of international protection
Colombians are refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide
Are you a refugee, asylum-seeker or stateless person looking for help? Visit the HELP site to find support and services from UNHCR.
Colombia is facing a humanitarian crisis driven by armed violence, forced displacement, and rising protection needs across and beyond its borders
Protracted crisis: UNHCR may designate some situations as protracted crises. This is an informal classification that indicates a long-term crisis with widespread and deepening humanitarian needs. Colombia falls into this category. Learn more about UNHCR emergency classifications.
At first, I didn’t see it as risky … but then we started to see a lot of crazy things. Many mountains, many hills … I started to see dead people, all kinds of things. Many people lose their lives there.
What is UNHCR doing to help?
UNHCR is supporting Colombia’s response to forced displacement by strengthening protection systems, empowering communities, and promoting long-term solutions.
In 2024, UNHCR provided direct assistance to over 432,000 people, including IDPs, refugees, returnees, and those at risk of statelessness. Through legal aid, safe shelters, mobile units, and a network of protection centres, UNHCR helps individuals access documentation, health, education, and psychosocial support. It also works with government and local authorities to formalize land tenure in informal settlements and co-leads the national Protection Cluster to coordinate emergency response.
Regionally, UNHCR supports Colombians seeking asylum abroad, building asylum systems and services in countries like Ecuador, Panama, and across the Southern Cone.
