The Catatumbo region, located on Colombia’s northeastern border with Venezuela, continues to face escalating violence and humanitarian deterioration, as armed confrontations persist between the National Liberation Army (ELN, guerrilla group inspired by the liberation theology) and dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, Marxist guerrilla movement). United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that around 80,000 people were affected in a single month, including 47,000 children and 4,600 Venezuelan migrants. Many remain without access to education or healthcare due to conflict-related disruptions.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro suspended peace talks with the ELN since January 2025, following their military offensive in Catatumbo. While the ELN has not formally ended the peace process, it claims the government lacks a coherent policy for dialogue. The group has also rejected recent government proposals, including third-party mediation by the Vatican.
In addition, the Colombian Ministry of Health has condemned attacks against medical personnel and ambulances in the region, which led to a suspension of medical transfers in areas such as Convención and San Pablo. While no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks are widely believed to have been carried out by non-state armed groups. Such actions have disrupted essential health services and constitute violations of International Humanitarian Law, which clearly protects medical missions under the principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity.
The stalled peace negotiations coincide with internal divisions within the ELN and ongoing talks between the government and splinter factions. Humanitarian organizations report that limited institutional capacity and the presence of landmines are obstructing aid delivery, as vulnerable populations—especially Venezuelan migrants—face multiple barriers to recognition and assistance.