Andes: Background

Colombia is located in the Andean region of South America. The country has a population of approximately 40 million. The current head of state is President Alvaro Uribe Velez, who was elected in 2002.

Colombia is currently suffering the longest-lasting civil war in the Western Hemisphere.  During the previous decade, over 35,000 people have been killed and at least 1 million people have been displaced as a result of the violence.

Human rights violations are committed by all sides of Colombia's armed conflict: paramilitary organizations, guerrilla forces, and the Colombian government.  The principal victims are civilians, particularly community leaders such as trade unionists, political activists, academics, and journalists.

Colombia has long been a focus of the United States' anti-drug policies.  In 2000, the Clinton administration approved a $1.3 billion aid package to Colombia, mostly in the form of military and police assistance.

Amnesty International and its dedicated volunteers are working to bring the human rights crisis in Colombia to the attention of the international community.  By holding governments and armed groups accountable for their actions, the violence can be brought to an end.

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