Non-compliance with international humanitarian law deteriorated the humanitarian situation in Colombia in 2025

2026-05-12 · Source: International Committee of the Red Cross · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, International Relations & Diplomacy, Public Safety & Security · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported a significant deterioration in Colombia's humanitarian situation in 2025, primarily due to non-compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) and evolving armed conflict dynamics. The conflict intensified and transformed, notably with increased use of new technologies like drones, impacting civilians. Humanitarian organizations faced challenges, including reduced resources, with the ICRC itself cutting its 2026 Colombia budget by 30 percent. This reduction occurred despite increasing humanitarian needs among conflict-affected communities. The ICRC emphasizes that upholding IHL is crucial for mitigating suffering, asserting it as a practical framework for all conflict parties, regardless of their state or non-state status, to guide daily operations and ease the consequences of conflict.

Key takeaway

For humanitarian aid organizations and policymakers addressing armed conflicts, the situation in Colombia highlights the critical need to prioritize IHL compliance and secure consistent funding. Your efforts should focus on advocating for adherence to IHL by all conflict parties and ensuring sustained resource allocation to prevent further deterioration of humanitarian conditions, especially as new technologies like drones alter conflict dynamics.

Key insights

Non-compliance with IHL and reduced humanitarian resources exacerbated Colombia's armed conflict impact in 2025.

Principles

• Humanitarian consequences are not unavoidable.
• IHL guides daily conflict operations.
• Resources for aid are decreasing as needs rise.

In practice

• Engage in discreet dialogue with all conflict parties.
• Adapt responses to multiple local realities.

Topics

• International Humanitarian Law
• Colombia Humanitarian Crisis
• Armed Conflict Dynamics
• International Committee of the Red Cross
• New Conflict Technologies

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by International Committee of the Red Cross.