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 solders, 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»