Arauca, in northeastern Colombia on the Venezuelan border, has seen renewed clashes since 2022 between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Central General State (EMC). The violence has disrupted daily life, limited movement and produced confinement and forced displacement, leaving many residents and migrants without steady access to basic services.
A Global Protection Cluster analysis reports that, as of 2023, 34 percent of the department’s population has been recognized as victims of the armed conflict. The report also highlights that Venezuelan families are often denied services and face discrimination, with increased risks of gender-based violence and child recruitment. A pregnant Venezuelan mother without a Temporary Protection Permit was helped by a foundation that connected her to consultations.
Since March 2025, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has run mobile clinics in neglected, rural and conflict-affected municipalities such as Tame, Arauquita and Puerto Rondón. MSF’s head of mission in Colombia, Siham Hajaj, said, “For the communities caught in the middle of clashes between armed groups and for thousands of migrants, access to healthcare has been hampered by multiple effects associated with the armed conflict.” Between March 3 and November 13, 2025, MSF conducted 4,899 general medical consultations, 801 sexual and reproductive health consultations, 65 consultations for pregnant women, and 314 individual mental health consultations.
Humanitarian teams aim to bring care closer to people when roads are unsafe or clinics close. Hajaj added that “Neutrality and independence allowed us to reach thousands of patients in areas affected by armed conflict.” The World Health Organization notes that violence can damage infrastructure, drive health workers away, disrupt supplies and stop people from safely reaching care. While healthcare cannot end the fighting, neutral and inclusive services can reduce fear, rebuild trust and create shared spaces where host communities and newcomers receive care based on need.
Difficult words
- dissident — person or group opposing the established authority
- displacement — people forced to leave their homesforced displacement
- confinement — being kept within a small or limited area
- discrimination — unfair treatment of people for their identity
- recruitment — the act of enlisting people into a groupchild recruitment
- neutrality — not taking or showing support for any side
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can neutral and inclusive healthcare services help rebuild trust between host communities and newcomers?
- What barriers do Venezuelan families face in Arauca, and what practical steps could humanitarian teams take to reduce discrimination?
- What are the advantages and limitations of mobile clinics in areas affected by armed conflict?
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