AI has for several years been concerned by the escalation of human rights violations against the civilian population in the northeastern departments of Norte de Santander and Cesar. This report documents several cases of violations in 1994 and 1995. Increasing numbers of political killings, abductions and other abuses have been reported as the security forces have increased their presence and paramilitary organziations have been set up and consolidated in the area. There is a strong guerrilla presence in the region and guerrilla forces have been responsible for abuses, such as hostage taking, execution of captured soldiers and deliberate and arbitrary killing of civilians. Victims of violations include leaders and members of popular organizations, trade unionists, members of political parties and peasant farmers. Many civilians have been forced to flee the areas with their families after repeated harassment and death threats.
