Colombia

When armed conflict and violence affect communities and the state is unable to provide the necessary assistance, we help people meet their basic needs and improve their living conditions.

Depending on the needs, we provide financial, medical and psychosocial assistance, improve access to water and basic sanitation, rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and help rebuild livelihoods.

We support and advise families who have been dispersed or whose loved ones have gone missing or died as a result of armed conflict. We help them to re-establish contact where possible and we work to clarify the fate and whereabouts of those who have gone missing. We also advise the families on the support services and processes available to them as victims of armed conflict.

We help build the capacity of different agencies to carry out search operations and to provide mental health and psychosocial support. We engage in dialogue with state bodies to promote an appropriate response to the needs of the families.

We also remind armed actors of their obligations under IHL with regard to missing persons and the maintenance of family links.

For more information, please write to bog_tracing_unit_group@icrc.org.

We support the families of missing or deceased people who are seeking answers, particularly during processes related to the search for, recovery, identification and dignified handover of the remains of those who have died in the context of armed conflict.

We act as a neutral intermediary between the families, authorities and conflict parties, facilitating dialogue and coordination where necessary to further these processes. Our work complements but does not replace the functions or responsibilities of the authorities, conflict parties and other relevant bodies.

We also help institutions strengthen their capacity, medico-legal systems and search and identification mechanisms. We remind armed actors of their obligations under IHL regarding the prevention of disappearances and the search for and recovery of the deceased, as well as their protection and dignified treatment.

For more information, please write to co_forensic_group@icrc.org.

We guide and assist people affected by armed conflict and violence, and their families, to help them gain to access physical and mental health services. We support health staff and organizations working in affected areas to strengthen their patient care, stabilization and referral capacities.

We promote respect for the wounded, the sick and those with specific health needs, as well as for medical personnel and facilities in areas affected by armed conflict.

We monitor the treatment of people deprived of their liberty and the services they receive. We support the authorities with technical advice to help ensure compliance with applicable regulations and international standards and promote dignified and humane conditions of detention.

We also engage in dialogue with armed actors regarding the treatment and conditions of people deprived of their liberty. When requested by one or more of the parties to conflict and provided the minimum conditions for a safe handover are met, we can facilitate the release of people deprived of their liberty in the context of armed conflict.

Through our awareness-raising work, we help reduce the risks to rural and urban communities resulting from the presence, use and abandonment of weapons, ammunition and explosive devices. We provide guidance to those affected on accessing available support and services.

The ICRC manages the personal information and data of its beneficiaries, contacts, employees and suppliers in accordance with its Rules on Personal Data Protection.

Our helplines are open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

ICRC listening line
Through the toll-free CICR Te Escucha helpline, you can:
• Request information about ICRC activities, services or assistance.
• Share your views, recommendations and complaints regarding the ICRC’s work.
• Report any issues relating to the conduct of an ICRC staff member or external person working with the organization.
• Update your contact details.

#919 (toll-free from Tigo, Claro, ETB and Movistar mobile phones)
Landline: 601 2007140
WhatsApp and Signal: 313 252 9114
Email: cicrteescucha@icrc.org