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Colombia: more than 40 years on, the conflict continues – photo gallery

11-10-2009 Photo gallery

The population of Colombia is still feeling the impact of a conflict that began in the 1960s. The ICRC continues to help ease the suffering of the most vulnerable – the injured, the displaced, detainees and families of missing persons. These photos were taken in February and March 2009 by war photographer Franco Pagetti, from the VII photo agency.

  • Ricaurte, Nariño department.
    • Ricaurte, Nariño department. Displaced people have taken refuge in makeshift shelters.
      © ICRC / VII / F. Pagetti / co-e-00579

    Ricaurte, Nariño department.

    Displaced people have taken refuge in makeshift shelters. The ICRC distributes rice, sugar, oil, hygiene articles, mattresses and other forms of aid to cover their basic needs during the first three months of displacement.

  • Peñazorá, Putumayo department. The ICRC has provided this displaced family with emergency aid.
    • Peñazorá, Putumayo department. The ICRC has provided this displaced family with emergency aid.
      © ICRC / VII / F. Pagetti / co-e-00552

    Peñazorá, municipality of Puerto Asís, Putumayo department.

    This family fled their home two years ago after receiving threats, and the ICRC provided them with emergency aid. They now make a living by rearing chickens, and are awaiting a plot of land from the government.

  • Las Cruces, Nariño department. This school was damaged during the fighting.
    • Las Cruces, Nariño department. This school was damaged during the fighting.
      © ICRC / VII / F. Pagetti / co-e-00542

    Las Cruces, municipality of Barbacoas, Nariño department.

    This school was damaged during the fighting, along with the church and other buildings in the village.

  • Pasatiempo, Antioquia department. Cruz del Carmen has lost two sons and her husband is missing.
    • Pasatiempo, Antioquia department. Cruz del Carmen has lost two sons and her husband is missing.
      © ICRC / VII / F. Pagetti / co-e-00486

    Pasatiempo, municipality of Chigorodó, Antioquia department.

    Cruz del Carmen has lost two sons to the conflict, and her husband is missing. She is having to bring up her five remaining children on her own.

  • Puerto Asís, Putumayo department. Many of the graves in this cemetery are unmarked.
    • Puerto Asís, Putumayo department. Many of the graves in this cemetery are unmarked.
      © ICRC / VII / F. Pagetti / co-e-00532

    Puerto Asís, Putumayo department.

    Many of the graves in this cemetery are unmarked. In its efforts to establish the fate of missing persons, the ICRC works with associations representing their families and with the Forensic Institute.

  • Las Cruces, Nariño department. María Elena lost her arm to a bullet as she lay next to her baby.

    Las Cruces, municipality of Barbacoas, Nariño department.

    María Elena was hit by a stray bullet that passed through the wall of her house and severed her arm as she lay next to her baby.

  • Pasto University Hospital, Nariño department. Francisco lost a leg in a mine explosion.

    Pasto University Hospital, Nariño department.

    On 10 February 2009, Francisco and his friend were on their way to work at a farm when a mine exploded. Local people carried them to the nearest health post – ten hours' walk away. Francisco lost a leg; his friend lost his sight.

  • Teteyé, Putumayo department. Fighting and explosive remnants of war pose a threat to civilians here.

    Teteyé, municipality of Puerto Asís, Putumayo department.

    In this region, close to Ecuador, there are frequent outbreaks of fighting between guerillas and the army. The area has suffered much rocket fire over the last few months. Explosive remnants of war lie in fields and pose a constant threat to the population.

  • El Buen Pastor women's prison, Bogotá. The ICRC makes regular visits.

    El Buen Pastor women's prison, Bogotá.

    The ICRC regularly visits the women detained here. Those in Patio 6 are all accused or convicted of conflict-related offences. Some are accompanied by their children under five.


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