Colombia, known for its vibrant culture, is struggling with a deeply long-established problem threatening its social fabric: poverty. The Latin American country is characterized by endemic violence, recording national homicide rates of 25 per 100,000 persons in 2019 and 23.1 per 100,000 persons in 2020, exceeding rates attained in the region (Deák, 2021, p. 35). Poverty extends beyond mere economic hardship to enclose limited access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic growth, especially among Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities (Human Rights Watch, 2023, para. 1). The essay explores the complex relationship between poverty and violence in Colombia to understand the government’s role in this cycle. We argue that the government has raised citizens in Colombia to believe they do not have power, which has created fear and a life of disobedience and violence.
Poverty in Colombia extends far beyond the absence of material wealth; it is a systemic problem that encompasses limited access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The World Bank’s data from 2019 revealed that approximately 35.7% (17.5 million people) of the country’s population lived below the national poverty line (The World Bank, 2021, p. 1). In 2020, the national poverty rate stood at 18.1% (about twice the previous year), and the multidimensional poverty rate was 32.9% in 170 municipalities in the country (Human Rights Watch, 2023, para. 47). Notably, poverty is predominant among Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. In addition, high poverty in Colombia has combined with other issues such as armed conflicts and illegal economies, thus becoming challenging to address since these activities facilitate instability in the country (Human Rights Watch, 2023, para. 47).
Access to healthcare is another essential aspect of poverty, as individuals in impoverished communities often lack adequate medical services, with individuals from indigenous and African-Colombian populations experiencing disproportionate effects (Justice for Colombia, 2021, para. 19). Limited access to such critical service can have severe consequences on the overall health of these communities. For example, improper medical treatment can perpetuate diseases and lead to preventable deaths. Penella (2016, para. 4) affirms that there is little security of employment amid reliable access to health and education services in many poor urban areas despite the government implanting various strategies in addressing the issues by reducing conflict and crime in Medellin and Bogota, the country’s two largest cities.
Furthermore, economic opportunities are profoundly restricted for those living in poverty. Colombia’s marginalized population faces a scarcity of formal employment options, often pushing individuals into the informal job market, where job security and workers’ rights are minimal. Most importantly, Colombia has the highest informal employment in Latin America and the Caribbean, at more than 50% (Deák, 2021, p. 36). The lack of economic opportunities suggests that many individuals must resort to activities such as joining guerrilla groups or illegal drug trade as their primary means of income (Gordon et al., 2020, p. 4). This economic instability further contributes to the cycle of poverty and violence. In Tumaco, the residents, humanitarian organization officials, and armed conflict analysts contend that government initiatives have not worked as well as planned because poverty and lack of economic opportunities facilitate the recruitment of fighters in the armed groups, including children, thus allowing them to replace killed or captured members (Human Rights Watch, 2018, para. 172). Therefore, Poverty in Colombia is a multifaceted issue that serves as a breeding ground for violence, as individuals are left with limited options and often resort to illegal activities to survive.
The relationship between poverty and violence in Colombia is intrinsically tied to the government’s role in perpetuating these conditions. The country’s governance, as the primary institution responsible for crafting policies, shaping the socioeconomic landscape, and ensuring the welfare of its citizens, plays a pivotal role in both sustaining poverty and indirectly fostering violence through its actions and inactions. According to Villamizar (2003, p. 25), the Colombian traditionally praised democracy exhibits erosion signs with irreversible nature, as the drug producers, the corrupt justice system, the paramilitary, and the guerrillas thrive like “perennial weeds” since critical institutions no longer stand. Such issues have accompanied infrastructure destruction, kidnappings, bombings, and massacres, producing devastating effects. Villamizar (2003, p. 25) affirms that the interaction of “the good,” “the bad,” and “the ugly” represents a miserable realism between the state and civil society. The continuous political confrontation between the government and different armed groups instigated war, which is attributable to conflicts and a lack of institutional quality that detrimentally affects poverty in Colombia (Nieto‐Aleman, 2019, pp. 3-4).
One of the most significant ways the government perpetuates poverty in Colombia is through its allocation of resources, particularly in education and healthcare. The country’s leadership has a flawed decentralized transfer system where the central government provides resources to the municipalities but only focuses on the accountability of the success of social programs like infrastructure, education, and health, which play a crucial role in the emergence of guerilla groups, like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) (Villamizar, 2003, pp. 27-28). Besides, in Colombia, violence’s cost is associated with a decline in human capital stock attributable to the reduction in human capital investments, which include services such as health and learning opportunities (Cotte Poveda, 2021, p. 361). Insufficient investments in these crucial sectors leave many of the population without access to quality services. Public schools in poor areas often suffer from overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and underpaid teachers, which ends up creating a vicious cycle where students from impoverished backgrounds receive an inferior education, making it difficult for them to break free from the cycle of poverty. A study established education positively affects reducing and controlling violence (Cotte Poveda, 2021, p. 360).
Corruption stands out as a pressing concern that the Colombian government has struggled to effectively address. However, this issue has permeated various levels of government and public life, creating an overarching perception of unreliability and dishonesty among government officials. This pervasive corruption erodes trust in government institutions and diverts crucial public funds away from developmental programs and initiatives that could significantly contribute to poverty alleviation (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2004, p. iii). The detrimental impact of corruption becomes evident as funds intended for healthcare, education, and economic development often find their way into the pockets of corrupt officials, exacerbating the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty in vulnerable communities. Therefore, the government must address corruption within different institutions and governance levels to alleviate poverty and violent crimes, thus showing its citizens that they have a responsible government that cares for them.
Moreover, the failure of governmental agencies to protect against violence targeting human rights defenders, environmental activists, and ethnic minorities adds another layer of concern. The situation is particularly alarming when perpetrators engage in illegal economic activities due to corruption, non-compliance, and inadequate law enforcement at the high local level (Deák, 2021, p. 48). In my view, these systemic failures further subject victims to poverty and expose them to continuous subjugation to crimes and violence. Addressing corruption is not only essential for restoring trust in government but also for creating an environment where vulnerable populations can break free from the cycles of poverty and insecurity.
Examining the preceding neoliberal economic policies in Colombia reveals a crucial aspect in understanding how the country’s leadership has instilled a sense of powerlessness among its citizens, fostering an environment marked by fear and a propensity for disobedience and violence. From my perspective, the legal structures introduced during the Washington Consensus, as highlighted by Deák (2021, p. 36), have significantly contributed to Colombia’s developmental challenges, giving rise to a lack of services and persistently high levels of informality. This issue is underscored by the staggering rates of informal employment in the LAC region, exceeding 50%, according to Deák (2021, p. 36).
Moreover, as pointed out by Dyer (2019, para. 2), the U.S.-supported neoliberal economic policies have not only persisted but have also created economic conditions that perpetuate insecurity in present-day Colombia. In my view, these conditions contribute to ongoing economic insecurity, displacement, and violence, particularly impacting Indigenous communities, Afro-Colombians, and Campesino communities. Despite the evident adverse effects of such legal frameworks, the government has consistently fallen short in addressing the accompanying negative consequences, reinforcing the perception among citizens that they lack the power to exert control over these systemic issues. The government must acknowledge and rectify these failings to empower citizens and pave the way for a more equitable and secure future for all.
The intricate relationship between poverty and violence in Colombia is best described as a vicious cycle, where each factor perpetuates and aggravates the other, creating a self-reinforcing loop of deprivation and conflict. The two issues combine to leave the people with two options: “either take part in criminal activities or try to find legal but quite limited sources of income – when there are any available at all” (Restless Stories, 2011, para. 2). Among impoverished Colombians, who do not have access to necessities like education and healthcare is limited, individuals often find themselves with fewer lawful avenues for personal and economic growth, prompting the to resort to criminal activities (like illegal drug trade) and recruitment into armed groups for sustenance (Gordon et al., 2020, p. 4). These issues emerge due to poverty and lack of economic opportunities, which the government has failed to address (Human Rights Watch, 2018, para. 172).
Opposing views may also argue against the government’s substantial role in perpetuating poverty and violence in Colombia. Some individuals may contend that attributing these problems solely to government actions is an oversimplification of complex societal challenges. They may assert that poverty and violence are inherently multifaceted issues with many contributing factors and cannot be solely attributed to régime’s actions. While this argument is partially true, the government undeniably plays a crucial role in shaping the circumstances that lead to violence because it is one of the main actors (including private businesses) responsible for tackling this challenge (Karnani, 2017, p. 1585). Therefore, poverty is not merely a result of individual choices; it is a systemic issue deeply influenced by policies and actions initiated by political actors.
Furthermore, those who argue against government accountability may be unaware of the potential for change. The government can take action to break the cycle of violence and poverty by implementing policies that prioritize economic development, education, and healthcare for all citizens. The government as political institution is responsible for developing policies, including “the provision of infrastructure to connect people to opportunities; quality affordable education and health services to enhance human capital; and the implementation of programs to strengthen the financial sector and expand access to finance,” which are key drivers for inclusive growth and poverty reduction (Doumbia, 2020, para. 7). Therefore, the government can inspire hope and empowerment among the people by addressing corruption and focusing on poverty reduction.
The complex and interdependent relationship between poverty and violence in Colombia, perpetuated by the government’s actions and inactions, underscores the urgency of addressing these issues comprehensively. The two social issues are not isolated problems but interconnected facets of a larger societal challenge. While there are people who might argue against attributing these issues solely to government actions, the undeniable influence of government policies on poverty and violence demands acknowledgment and action. The cycle of deprivation and conflict in Colombia necessitates a multifaceted approach, including substantial investments in education, healthcare, and economic development, alongside the rigorous fight against corruption. I firmly believe that a comprehensive policy and legal framework grounded in these dimensional issues can help alleviate the situation. Breaking free from this cycle requires fostering hope, empowerment, and trust among the people, inspiring them to work together for a brighter, more secure future. The time for change is now, and it is the collective responsibility of the government, citizens, and the international community to support and advocate for lasting solutions.
References
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