Our bilateral and confidential dialogue with arms bearers and people affected by armed conflicts and violence allowed us to reach the most remote or hard-to-reach places in the country, where no one else reaches. It is essential that armed actors respect international humanitarian law, which particularly protects the civilian population and those who have stopped participating in hostilities. For this reason, the ICRC values the humanitarian gesture of the armed groups in handing these people over to us so that they can be reunited with their loved ones.
The humanitarian organization reiterates to the parties in conflict that, in its capacity as a neutral intermediary, it is willing to develop other humanitarian operations that lead to alleviating the consequences of armed conflicts and violence.
It is important to highlight that not taking sides in a conflict does not mean being indifferent to the pain of the victims. Being neutral allows us to have the trust of the parties and reach the most affected areas to alleviate the suffering caused by war.
As a humanitarian organization, we do not speak publicly about the reasons why these people were held by armed groups or the conditions in which they were deprived of their liberty, but they are part of our dialogue with the armed groups.
The dialogue that we maintain with authorities, communities and armed actors is confidential. In this sense, we always appreciate that the confidentiality of this type of information is respected in order to carry out our humanitarian work and protect the dignity of the people received and their families, particularly when it comes to minors.
We will continue to accompany the communities and people affected by armed conflicts.
The ICRC reminds all parties to the conflict that they must respect international humanitarian law, especially the protection it confers on children and adolescents. It also thanks journalists and the media to protect the identity of minors handed over to their families.
← BACK TO THE PAGE OF THE ICRC IN COLOMBIA