At a press briefing on May 23, Kris Janowski, a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed deep concern over the serious effects of Colombia’s civil war on the country’s indigenous peoples. He cited recent reports that the Guahibo-Sikuani people of Arauca had been displaced by heavy fighting between leftist rebels and paramilitaries. The Kuna community of Arquia, near the Panamanian border, is also considering relocating after receiving numerous threats from armed groups operating in the area. The office pledged to continue to monitor the situation, and called on armed actors in the conflict to respect the human rights of noncombatants and aid workers.
