[Bogotá, 3 May 2021] The peaceful marches that have been carried out by Colombian citizens in many cities and municipalities of the country, which began on 28 April within the framework of the National strike, are part of their legitimate right to defend human rights, and the right to public assembly and demonstration, as enshrined in article 37 of Colombia’s Political Constitution [1]. In this sense, the excessive use of force by some members of law enforcement is unacceptable.
According to the figures published by Campaña Defender La Libertad: Asunto de Todas (Defend Freedom Campaign: Everyone's Business) [2], specifically within their fourth newsletter [3], 105 people were injured between 28 April and 30 April—whereby six people suffered from eye injuries and four were shot. Four people were murdered, apparently three of whom were minors, and there were more than 150 arbitrary detentions, including the arrests of several people under 18 years of age. There were more than 232 registered physical assaults, nine raids in Cali and Bogotá, three acts of sexual violence against women in Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín, two of them by ESMAD officials and one by a forensic medical examiner. In addition, acts of torture have been reported, including beatings, threats, electric shocks. Protesters have also reported obstructions of the right to information and several people have been reported missing.
We are concerned by the complaints concerning the National Army’s intervention in the protests, which occurred in eastern Antioquia, the municipality of Bello (Antioquia), and Cali. According to the Minister of Defense’s statements, 300 soldiers were deployed in reaction to the demonstrations [4]. Colombia’s president also made an announcement to militarise the cities [5].
As international civil society organisations, we ask the Colombian State to urgently adopt measures to protect life, personal integrity, personal freedom, due process, freedom of expression, freedom of association, the right to assembly, the right to participation, and other rights and fundamental principles that are recognised in the American Convention on Human Rights. These rights are at serious risk due to the events described above.
Additionally, according to the DANE [6], 21 million people in Colombia (42.5% of the national population) are living under the poverty line and are facing daily difficulties in accessing food [7]. This creates the conditions for a hunger crisis. In the context of the current public health crisis, the Colombian State should take additional measures to protect their rights.
As international civil society organisations we ask that:
We ask the President to take all necessary measures to stop the bloodbath that Colombia is experiencing, and in that regard, order an immediate stop to the armed repression of the peaceful protesters and the militarisation of cities, which have cost the lives of many, particularly young people, in Colombia. We urge the President to enable scenarios for peaceful consultation with dissatisfied Colombian citizens. The withdrawal of the tax reform and the call to agree on a new proposal is a step in the right direction.
As international civil society organisations, we continue to be “Alert for a Colombia at Peace” and we reiterate our commitment to a peaceful solution to the conflict in Colombia.
Download the PDF in English or the original joint statement in Spanish.
For more information, please contact: cooppaz2016 [at] gmail.com
