Country case studies

With an estimated 7.1 million IDPs as of the end of 2016,421 Colombia has the world’s second largest number of IDPs. The main causes of displacement are armed conflict, violence linked to control over illicit economies, including drug trafficking or illegal mining, and violence associated with land conflicts. Most displacement is from rural to urban and peri-urban areas, where most IDPs flee to settle in slums and shanty towns rather than camps. Secondary intra- or inter-urban displacement due to threats and violence by criminal elements or people associated with armed groups is common. Disasters triggered by natural hazards are another important driver of displacement, with reportedly 3.32 million people displaced between 2008 and 2013. New displacement occurs on a regular basis, but most IDPs have lived in protracted displacement for several years or even decades.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Good Health and Well-Being

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions