VOICED : Colombias 50 year old conflict scars Medellin suburb

The transcript discusses the tragic story of Alejandre, whose father and brother were abducted and remain missing. This is not an isolated case in Medellin's Comuna Trece, where many families have suffered similar losses due to Colombia's long-standing conflict. The community has been deeply affected by violence, with residents often forced to ignore the presence of death to survive. In 2002, military operations aimed to retake control of the area, but many residents went missing during and after these actions. Paramilitary groups maintained control, leading to further abuses. Efforts are now underway to locate and identify missing persons in mass graves, providing closure to affected families.

What event led to the disappearance of Alejandre's family members?

• They moved to another city

• A group of armed men took them

• They were arrested by the police

• A natural disaster

What was a common sight in Comuna 13 during the conflict?

• Celebrations and festivals

• Dead bodies on the streets

• Construction of new buildings

• Peaceful protests

Who launched air raids in Comuna 13 in 2002?

• Local community leaders

• The United Nations

• International peacekeepers

• President Alvaro Reba

What challenge do authorities face when digging up the landfill in Comuna 13?

• Dealing with local protests

• Finding the exact location of the landfill

• Getting permission from the government

• Identifying the bodies found

What was the result of the military operation in Comuna 13?

• All missing persons were found

• The territory changed control

• The conflict ended immediately

• Complete peace was restored