HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Friday warned that the humanitarian situation in Colombia is deteriorating across several regions as armed violence and climate-related emergencies intensify.

Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told a news conference that "the humanitarian situation is deteriorating across several regions as clashes between non-state armed groups intensify in the country."

He said that in Catatumbo, near the border with Venezuela, "clashes in the first half of this month between non-state armed groups have claimed the lives of more than 60 civilians," adding that thousands have been displaced or confined to their homes, cutting off access to services and humanitarian aid.

Haq also warned of "repeated attacks on medical services in Cauca, Valle del Cauca and Norte de Santander, which have left communities without essential care."

Noting that climate-related emergencies are also increasing humanitarian needs, he said: "Heavy rains have triggered landslides and flooding in some states."

"We, along with our humanitarian partners, continue to engage with authorities to support the humanitarian response, improve access to aid and strengthen preparedness," Haq said.

Stressing that funding remains critically low, he said that "even after prioritizing the most severe needs and what can realistically be delivered, the Humanitarian Response Plan remains critically underfunded," adding that last year only a quarter of the $342 million required was received.