This tactic often live in remote, conflict-affected parts of the country with the presence of illicit econ- is used by armed groups to control the movement of people in areas where they are present. [...] The practice has become more widespread during ela escalated during quarantine as the ELN sought to increase control, engaging in armed the pandemic as armed groups use the pretext of containing the spread of the virus to exert clashes with rival groups and carrying out targeted attacks against social leaders and oth- social control. [...] Although the government lifted the national lockdown in September, the contrac- tion of the Colombian economy caused by the containment measures continues to affect people’s ability to pursue livelihoods and access food. [...] Venezuelan refugee and migrant households are also highly vulnerable to this form of exploitation as they are among the most economically vulnerable and often lack access to support services and regular legal status, which makes them less likely to report issues to the authorities out of fear of detention. [...] Other armed groups and dissident factions of the FARC now fight for control of the territory left behind by the group, and local communities suffer the consequences (Verdad Abierta 23/08/2020).
- Pages
- 6
- Published in
- Switzerland
