International dimensions of Colombian violence

Violence is the main public health problem in Colombia, as demonstrated by current homicide rates (the highest in the world), the strong effect of vio lence on the health care sector, and the forceful displacement of citizens, among other factors. This violence has international dimensions and conseq uences: inequity resulting from the political-economic system and increased by the neoliberal adjustments; the international traffic of drugs and weap ons; exile and forceful: displacement of persons into bordering countries; and frequent violations of human rights and humanitarian international righ ts. The international community can play a role in the search for a solutio n to this problem, as the author discusses in terms of contributions made i n the past and those that could be made in the near future. Colombian viole nce can be viewed as a problem, a message, and a challenge for internationa l public health, and the author suggests specific areas in which internatio nal public health could contribute to the study and solution of this comple x situation.