The Nukak have fled their land after becoming caught up in the violent conflict of Colombia’s drugs war. Their remote rainforest has been overrun by colonists growing coca for the lucrative cocaine trade.

Nukak photographed in the forest in 1991. © Gustavo Pollitis/Survival

Left-wing guerillas, right-wing paramilitaries, and the Colombian army are also fighting for control of the area. The Nukak are now camped near the town of San Jose, desperate to go home and suffering from terrible health problems.

How you can help

Please write a brief and polite letter (in English, or your own language) to the Colombian government. It is best to send your letter by post as there is no doubt this makes the biggest impact. Alternatively, you can use the fax numbers provided, but please be aware that numbers are often changed, or machines unplugged. Email addresses are given only where there is a realistic chance emails will be read. Please feel free to use the following letter as a guide or write one of your own.