The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported a sharp increase in the number of people confined and displaced in Colombia during 2025 [1].

This escalation signals a severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the country. The trend highlights a failure to uphold International Humanitarian Law and indicates that armed conflict is intensifying in civilian areas.

According to the ICRC, more than 176,000 people were confined in 2025 [1]. This represents a 99% increase in confinement levels compared to the previous year [3]. Confinement occurs when armed groups restrict the movement of civilians, preventing them from accessing food, health services, and markets.

The report also detailed a massive rise in internal displacement. More than 322,000 people were displaced in 2025 [1]. This figure indicates that the number of displaced persons roughly doubled compared to the prior year [4].

The ICRC said the crisis is driven by the recrudescence of violence and a lack of adherence to International Humanitarian Law [2]. These violations leave civilian populations vulnerable to the direct effects of war, forcing families to flee their homes or remain trapped in volatile zones.

The organization released these findings in a report published July 31, 2025 [2]. The data reflects a national trend across Colombia, where armed groups continue to exert control over rural and marginalized territories.

“More than 176,000 people were confined in 2025”

The doubling of displacement and the nearly 100% increase in confinement suggest that existing peace frameworks in Colombia are failing to protect non-combatants. This trend indicates that armed groups are expanding their territorial control or intensifying their tactics, creating a humanitarian vacuum where civilians lose basic access to survival resources.