Colombia

As thousands have fled their homes in the Narino region in southern Colombia to escape fighting between the Government and rebel forces, the UNHCR April 10 called for the protection of civilians and urged authorities to provide assistance to those affected. In the past two weeks, over 6,000 people have taken refuge in El Charco and La Tola, two small towns north of Nariñaccording to UNHCR spokesperson Ron Redmond. (UN News)