More than 46,000 children out of school in Catatumbo Region in Colombia, facing threats of kidnapping, recruitment, and violence.
BOGOTA, 31 January 2025
More than 46,000 children and teenagers are missing the start of their school year in Catatumbo region in Colombia, as a major escalation in violence has forced the government to close schools across 10 districts.
About 710 schools are now closed until at least 10 February [1], to keep children and teachers safe, as the region faces significant security threats, including an uptick in murders and kidnappings. In several districts, authorities have imposed nighttime curfews to prevent attacks, said Save the Children.
The 46,000 children currently out of school are vulnerable to dropping out of education long term or being recruited by armed groups, with 20 children rescued by the Colombian Army in recent weeks, after being recruited from their villages. Three children are also among 80 civilians who have been killed in violence since 15 January 15 [2].
Almost 50,000 people, including children, families, and teachers have been displaced in the Catatumbo region in recent weeks, while a further 25,000 people are currently in lockdown due to the armed conflict in the zone. More than half of the displaced families have fled to the towns of Cúcuta, Tibú, and Ocaña, and are seeking shelter in emergency camps, with support provided by the local humanitarian team and local authorities [3].
The Catatumbo region on the northern border of Colombia has long been a magnet for armed groups and illegal activities. This history of conflict and violence has left its population in a state of insecurity, where children bear the greatest burden.
María Mercedes Liévano, Save the Children Colombia Country Director, stated:
“Violence in Colombia is dire, with forced displacements, children out of school, fears of kidnapping, and families torn apart. Children are paying the highest price in this latest escalation. Children are being killed, recruited and displaced. Their rights and safety must be a priority; peace must be restored immediately to secure their well-being. Save the Children is ready to respond to this humanitarian crisis through local partners.
We urgently call on local, national, and international authorities to prioritize comprehensive protection measures for children affected by this crisis. It is critical to ensure their safety, access to education, psychosocial support, and prevention measures against all forms of violence. We urge all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and safeguard the rights of children and adolescents, who are the most affected by this violence.”
In the coming weeks, Save the Children will launch an initial emergency response in Ocaña, distributing hygiene kits for children, as well as food supplies in Cúcuta, the capital of the department. However, given the prolonged armed clashes in the area and the continued presence of displaced populations in shelters, there is an urgent need for protection interventions, particularly with a focus on sexual and gender-based violence in informal settlements and shelters. Additionally, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support initiatives, emergency education interventions, and cash assistance distributions are still needed to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Save the Children has worked in Colombia for 40 years, working in different regions to promote comprehensive child development and to advocate for the protection of their rights, through different projects related with livelihoods, nutrition, health services, education, resilience to climate change, prevention of all type of violence, among others.
NOTES:
[1] Ministry of National Education, Government of Norte de Santander and «Puesto de Mando Unificado-PMU» that was created to attend the crisis.
[2] Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 24 January 2025 – Colombia | ReliefWeb
[3] OCHA – Flash Update No. 1 (24/01/2025) and Press Conference given by the Attorney General’s Office on January 23.
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