Economists for Peace and Security

The Economics of Peace and Security Journal

Recent Issues

eps journal
A publication by Economists for Peace and Security

Forced displacement in Colombia: magnitude and causes
IBANEZ, Ana Maria

Vol 4, No 1 - Symposia on Defense innovation | Conflict theory and micro-level analysis, January 2009

The article describes the magnitude, geographical extent, and causes of forced population displacements in Colombia. Forced migration in Colombia is a war strategy adopted by armed groups to strengthen territorial strongholds, weaken civilian support to the enemy, seize valuable lands, and produce and transport illegal drugs with ease. Forced displacement in Colombia today affects 3.5 million people. Equivalent to 7.8 percent of Colombia’s population, and second worldwide only to Sudan, this shows the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis the country is facing. The phenomenon involves all of Colombia’s territory and nearly 90 percent of the country’s municipalities expel or receive population. In contrast to other countries, forced migration in Colombia is largely internal. Illegal armed groups are the main responsible parties, migration does not result in massive refugee streams but occurs on an individual basis, and the displaced population is dispersed throughout the territory and not focused in refugee camps. These characteristics pose unique challenges for crafting state policy that can effectively mitigate the impact of displacement. [Keywords: conflict, civil war, forced displacement, migration. JEL codes: R23, D74]

You do not have access to the full text of this article. You may purchase the article (individual articles are priced at £3 each and will be emailed to you as a PDF file after payment is received.)

To purchase this article please click the purchase link shown.

Alternatively please subscribe to the journal.

Return to the contents page.

You are logged in as guest. Some issues may not be available.