Displaced
A
photo essay which highlights the plight of over one
million Colombians
This
essay illustrates what's happening to the poorest
of Colombians caught up in the "dirty" war
which is being waged between government soldiers,
rebel guerrillas and the paramilitary over land in
the north of Colombia. This area is of strategic importance
for the rebels as it gives access to the Caribbean
coast as well as the Pacific, but it is also a huge
resource of timber and minerals.
Poor people are being systematically being moved off
their land by a government eager to get its hands
on the natural resources. The excuse being used is
that these people are providing succour to the rebels.
The clearing of people is under taken by the "masked
men" of the paramilitary, groups of well armed
men who are funded by the land owners, who in turn
hold great power and patronage in the Colombian government.
next»