Displacements within Medellin may double by the end of 2011 compared with 2010 figures, due to increasing criminal activity and violence, reported the city’s ombudsman.
According to a report issued by Medellin’s ombudsman, Jairo Herran Vargas, 3,336 people have been newly forced to leave their homes in 2011 as the result of criminal gangs operating in the capital of Antioquia, Caracol Radio reported Thursday.
For 2010, a total of 5,962 newly displaced persons were reported by officials. Statistics indicate that the number of displaced persons in 2011 could double in comparison to last year.
Vargas also warned of increasing social stratification in the city, and how this relates to the displaced community and violence.
“We cannot simply block out the sun with one hand, trying to prove that the city is in peace and security (…) it seems that Medellin has two cities: one to show the progress, services and opportunities, and the other 48.6 percent of the population in poverty and extreme poverty … that’s where these groups operate precisely, which produces the highest rates of homicide, displacement, extortion and other illegal activities.”