DistantNews
Support us
🇻🇪 Venezuela /Conflict & Security

Over 12,000 Colombian Students, Teachers Affected by Armed Conflict Violence

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • Over 12,000 Colombian students and teachers were affected by armed conflict violence in the first six months of the year, averaging one incident every three days.
  • The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) documented 61 incidents across seven departments, impacting access to education, particularly in rural areas.
  • Attacks frequently occurred on school routes or directly within classrooms and school facilities, with many schools still awaiting necessary aid.

Armed groups have severely impacted the lives of over 12,000 Colombian students and teachers in the first half of this year, with violence erupting roughly every three days, according to a report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

Six of every ten of these attacks occurred inside the schools, in the only place where girls and boys should be safe.

— Mikel MendezonaMikel Mendezona, head of NRC programs in Colombia, commented on the alarming frequency of attacks occurring within school premises.

The NRC documented 61 incidents between January and June across seven departments where it provides humanitarian assistance. These attacks highlight the ongoing disruption to education, especially in rural regions. The report found that four out of every ten attacks occurred on routes students use to get to school. Alarmingly, six out of ten attacks took place inside classrooms or school buildings, the very places where children should feel safest.

Mikel Mendezona, head of NRC programs in Colombia, described the situation as unacceptable, stating that rural schools remain "caught in the crossfire between armed actors." He emphasized that all parties to the conflict are obligated under international humanitarian law to ensure educational centers are safe spaces. Incidents included the occupation of school facilities, the use of explosives on school grounds, forced recruitment of minors, and clashes between armed groups.

Our school is completely exposed to the violence of these armed groups. We need investment to protect our schools and our girls.

— Community memberA community member from western Colombia described the vulnerability of schools to armed groups and the urgent need for protection.

Communities in Norte de Santander, Chocó, and Cauca departments were particularly affected. One educator from the western part of the country recounted how armed men entered a school and attempted to coerce a student into sexual acts. The NRC warned that institutional and humanitarian responses remain insufficient, with two out of three affected schools still awaiting aid. The organization stressed the urgent need for mental health support, emergency preparedness training, and explosive ordnance risk education for affected students.

It is heartbreaking to see how adults with weapons destroy the future of girls and boys.

— Mikel MendezonaMikel Mendezona of the NRC urged the Colombian government to prioritize the protection of children in schools.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog