Current Issues

The Wayuu community is grappling with significant challenges that impact their daily lives and overall well-being:

Displacement from Their Lands: Exploitation of natural resources, particularly coal mining in La Guajira, has forced many Wayuu families to leave their ancestral lands. This loss not only disrupts their way of life but also threatens their rich culture and deep connection to the land.

Begging: Economic opportunities are scarce, worsened by drought and minimal state support. As a result, many Wayuu migrate to nearby cities like Riohacha, where some resort to begging to survive. This reflects the pervasive poverty and lack of options in their homeland.

Minga: While the concept of "minga" is not exclusive to the Wayuu, it represents a collective mobilization among indigenous communities to demand justice and rights. The Wayuu have embraced this practice as a means to protest against unfavorable conditions and advocate for recognition and justice.

Sovereignty Over Their Territories: Despite constitutional recognition of their autonomy, the Wayuu struggle to assert control over their lands due to external economic and political pressures, especially from entities that exploit natural resources without consulting or benefiting the community.

Illicit Crops: The presence of illicit crops near their territories has introduced security issues, bringing armed groups into the region and jeopardizing the safety and peace of Wayuu communities.