While many Colombians exercise their right to meet and worship freely, the daily reality for a significant percentage of Colombian Christians is very different. These men and women, particularly those living in conflict zones or areas controlled by illegal armed groups, are targeted by the armed groups because of their faith. Currently, an estimated 200 churches are believed to be forcibly closed across the country. In some regions, religious activity has been forbidden by order of the armed groups. Entire Christian communities have been displaced and church leaders have been marked for assassination. In many cases these threats have been carried out.
In 2011, the security situation in some parts of the country improved. President Santos‟ administration initiated important legislation pertaining to victims‟ rights and land reform. Unfortunately, in certain regions illegal armed groups grew in number and consolidated power over significant swathes of the country. Religious leaders in many of these areas, including Cauca, Southern Cordoba, Caquet, Guaviare, Meta, La Guajira, and Choc report that the overall security situation, as well as the specific issue of religious liberty, has deteriorated over the past year.
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