Authors: Christian Baca, Ariana Ramos Mercado
Welcome to LAWG’s Colombia News Brief, a compilation of top articles and reports on issues of peace, justice, human rights, and more in Colombia.
SPOTLIGHT
Estos son los proyectos en la agenda de la próxima legislatura
El Espectador, 20 de julio de 2024
“Este 20 de julio se instala el tercer año del Congreso, en el que las reformas sociales serán los proyectos clave por parte del Gobierno, que espera aprobar la laboral y la de educación antes del 2025. Sin embargo, todavía no es claro cuándo serán radicados”.
Urgent Actions: The Latest Security Concerns and Rights Violations in Colombia
Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, WOLA, July 17, 2024
“We remain concerned about the ongoing insecurity and violence in Colombia, and its impact on human rights defenders and rural communities, especially the areas inhabited by Indigenous and Afro-descendant Colombians.”
PEACE PROCESS
Colombia’s peace talks with EMC uncertain after arrests of guerrilla leaders
Adriaan Alsema, Colombia Reports, July 24, 2024
“Tuesday’s surprise arrests came two weeks after peace negotiator Camilo Gonzalez announced the resumption of peace talks and the extension of a ceasefire with a dissident faction of the EMC.”
Diálogos y resistencias por la tierra en Tumaco
Redacción Justicia Inclusiva, El Espectador, 22 de julio de 2024
“En medio de las experiencias problemáticas de los campesinos en este municipio de Nariño, tales como los cultivos de coca, la presencia de grupos armados, y los conflictos relacionados con la tierra, como la falta de legalización y la restitución para las víctimas; también se presentan casos de éxito y resiliencia comunitaria, donde la población que antes resolvía conflictos a través de la violencia, ahora dialoga y busca soluciones pacíficas”.
Mininterior habló sobre los puntos principales para lograr un acuerdo nacional en Colombia
Noticias RCN, 21 de julio de 2024
“El hombre de la política en el Gobierno Nacional es el nuevo ministro del Interior Juan Fernando Cristo, un hombre que pasó del santismo a ser parte del gabinete del presidente Petro, quien busca avanzar en la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz del 2016 y dar el paso hacia la convocatoria de una eventual constituyente”.
Iván Cepeda defendió el proceso de paz con el ELN tras señalamientos de Olmedo López por ‘financiar’ al grupo armado con dineros de la Ungrd
Jhoan Pardo, infobae, 21 de julio de 2024
“Las declaraciones del exdirector de la Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (Ungrd) Olmedo López sobre la presunta financiación del ELN a través de contratos de la entidad; al parecer, para evitar que se pusiera en riesgo el proceso de negociación que adelanta el Gobierno nacional con ese grupo armado, despertó el malestar de la delegación de Gustavo Petro”.
ONU tomó “unánime” decisión luego de propuesta de Petro para acelerar la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz
Paula Naranjo, infobae, 18 de julio de 2024
“El miércoles 10 de julio, el presidente de la República, Gustavo Petro, participó en la sesión del Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas sobre la presentación del informe trimestral de la Misión de Verificación, en relación con la implementación del Acuerdo de Paz firmado con las extintas Farc, en La Habana (Cuba), en 2016”.
La UE dice que tiene sentido pedir más tiempo para implementar acuerdos de paz en Colombia
Catalina Guerrero, EFE, 13 de julio de 2024
“El enviado especial de la Unión Europea para el proceso de paz en Colombia, Adrianus Koetsenruijter, afirma que ‘tiene sentido’ que el Gobierno colombiano pida a Naciones Unidas más tiempo para implementar el acuerdo alcanzado en 2016, ya que es un proceso “duro” y de ‘largo plazo’”.
Insecurity main obstacle to realizing Colombia Peace Agreement, Security Council hears
United Nations, July 11, 2024
“Although substantial progress has been made in implementing important aspects of the Peace Agreement in Colombia, challenges still remain, the head of the UN Mission in the country said in a briefing to the Security Council on Thursday.”
U.S.-COLOMBIA RELATIONS
Occidental may sell $3.6 billion of CrownRock’s assets to state-owned company
Robert Stewart, upstream, July 22, 2024
“US independent Occidental Petroleum is negotiating with Colombia’s Ecopetrol over a $3.6 billion stake in assets that belong to shale player CrownRock, which Occidental is trying to buy for $12 billion.”
La Policía de Nueva York apoyará a Cali en la COP16, en la lucha contra el narcotráfico y en la migración ilegal
Juan Esteban Neira, infobae, 19 de julio de 2024
“Alejandro Éder, alcalde de Cali, durante su viaje a Estados Unidos, anunció que la Policía de Nueva York (NYPD) apoyará a las autoridades locales en la prevención del terrorismo. La ayuda se centrará en la Cumbre COP16, pero también tendrá en cuenta otros temas que están en la mesa para fortalecer la seguridad en la ciudad”.
The US and Colombia join forces against criminal mega-gang Tren de Aragua
Florantonia Singer, El País, July 12, 2024
“Both countries declare war on the organization founded in Venezuela, and offer up to $12 million for three of its leaders. Spain has extradited Gerson Guerrero, brother of gang leader ‘Niño Guerrero’”
HUMAN RIGHTS
Asesinan a un defensor de derechos humanos y líder minero del noroeste de Colombia
Ultima Hora, 21 de julio de 2024
“Rubén Antonio Jaramillo, líder social y minero, fue asesinado en una zona rural de la localidad colombiana de Sonsón, en el departamento de Antioquia, informó la ONG Instituto de Desarrollo de Estudios para la Paz (Indepaz)”.
Defensoría del Pueblo presenta preocupante panorama de la movilidad humana forzada en Colombia durante junio
Defensoría del Pueblo Colombia, 19 de julio de 2024
“La Defensoría del Pueblo, a través de su Delegada para los Derechos de la Población en Movilidad Humana, presentó el boletín correspondiente al mes de junio de 2024, donde se revela un panorama preocupante en materia de desplazamiento forzado, confinamientos y riesgo de desplazamiento y confinamiento en el país”.
Annual Review 2023 / Informe Anual 2023
Peace Brigades International, July 17, 2024
“[Bill #242] seeks to comprehensively recognise and safeguard the rights of women and people searching for victims of enforced disappearance […] In 2023, Bill #242 was a significant milestone in PBI’s advocacy efforts with Colombian authorities, the international community, and civil society, aimed at safeguarding Women Searchers.”
“La resolución más querida por los miembros del Consejo de Derechos Humanos es la de Colombia”
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Gobierno de Colombia, 16 de julio de 2024
“Mediante ella (cuyo número provisional es 56/L.2) se decidió seguir brindando asistencia técnica al país, a través de la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos en Colombia, para la implementación de recomendaciones de la Comisión de la Verdad y la superación de obstáculos al proceso de paz”.
Defenders and States exchange experiences on protection mechanisms
Marianne Bertrand, International Service of Human Rights, July 12, 2024
“Between 9 and 11 July 2024, ISHR together with Colombian partners Asosciaciación Minga, the Colombian Commission of Jurists and the Somos Defensores Program organised a cross regional discussion on protection mechanisms for human rights defenders.”
CONTINUED ARMED CONFLICT
Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 19 July 2024
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, July 19, 2024
“Since 15 July, clashes between non-state armed groups (NSAGs) have displaced about 1,500 people from seven villages in El Sinaí in the Cauca department. They have moved to the departmental capital, the community of El Mango, and the municipality’s capital. NSAGs have also set up irregular checkpoints, with at least 250 people from the village of El Encanto reported as confined. On 17 July, armed actions and the use of explosive devices severely damaged a community home from the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF).”
Colombian President Speaks of Peace but Glorifies Armed Struggle
Andrés Bermúdez Liévano, Justice Info, July 18, 2024
“As Colombia’s first leftist president displays and publicly celebrates several symbols linked to the defunct guerrilla, this is perceived by many Colombians as a glorification of the armed struggle, at a time when the president is unsuccessfully trying to negotiate peace with several illegal armed groups, and the country awaits the first transitional justice rulings on war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the army and by members of another demobilized guerrilla group, the FARC.”
A Three Border Problem: Holding Back the Amazon’s Criminal Frontiers
International Crisis Group, July 17, 2024
“Organised crime is flourishing in the jungle expanse trisected by the borders of Brazil, Colombia and Peru, putting the populations and ecosystems of the Amazon’s heartland at serious risk. With donor aid, the three states should act fast before the illegal activity does irreversible damage.”
When Colombia’s conflict-displaced come to the capital
Daniela Díaz and Joshua Collins, The New Humanitarian, July 15, 2024
“Just a few kilometres from President Gustavo Petro’s palace in downtown Bogotá, hundreds of mostly Emberá Indigenous people live in a makeshift tent community in one of the Colombian capital’s most iconic parks.”
Mexico and Colombia dismantle transnational sex trafficking ring
Interpol, July 12, 2024
“Authorities in the Americas, supported by INTERPOL, have successfully dismantled a criminal network involved in the trafficking of Colombian women to Mexico, arresting its leaders and safeguarding eight victims.”
THE ENVIRONMENT
From trash to treasure: emerald hunters in Colombia – in pictures
Luis Acosta, The Guardian, July 22, 2024
“Every year, hundreds of emerald hunters dig through mining debris in Las Animas River, in the foothills of the eastern Andes mountain range. Colombia is by far the world’s largest producer of the precious stones, and the mining municipality of Muzo is known as the emerald capital of the world.”
Colombia wins mining arbitration on environmental grounds
Robert Li, Commercial Dispute Resolution, July 19, 2024
“An investment arbitration brought by Eco Oro against the Latin American country has ended with no damages awarded, with the tribunal having previously upheld the government’s right to take environmental protection measures.”
Colombia gives assurances over UN biodiversity summit after rebels’ threat
Patrick Greenfield, The Guardian, July 18, 2024
“Colombian authorities have insisted it will be safe to attend a UN biodiversity summit in Cali later this year, after a dissident rebel group threatened to disrupt the event. This week Central General Staff (EMC), a guerrilla faction that rejected the country’s 2016 peace agreement, said the UN nature summit Cop16 would ‘fail’, in a post on X addressed to the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro. The warning comes amid a government clampdown on the EMC, which is active in the region near Cali where the summit will be held.”
U.S. Investment Climate Report highlights challenges to Colombia’s Economy
The City Paper, July 18, 2024
“The U.S. Department of State, through the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, recently released its 2024 Investment Climate report on Colombia. The report indicates that despite robust foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2023, the administration of President Gustavo Petro “has generated considerable uncertainty within the private sector”. The Colombian economy saw a modest expansion of just 0.6% in 2023, representing a significant deceleration after two years of vigorous post-pandemic recovery.”
COLOMBIAN POLITICS
Colombia: IBAHRI monitors potential threats to the independence of the judiciary
International Bar Association, July 23, 2024
“The IBAHRI notes with concern President Petro’s continuous disparaging comments against the judiciary. Petro claimed in many instances having been victim of an institutional coup orchestrated by the Attorney General to oust him from power, or the target of a lawfare by the judiciary against his government. The President’s verbal attacks against the judicial branch are usually issued in the context of rejecting decisions impacting his proposed reforms or presidential mandate. It is to be noted, however, that none of the relevant decisions by the High Courts of Colombia have been reported as in contrast with the country’s constitutional order.”
Colombia’s president pushes for health and labor changes as he opens new session of congress
Manuel Rueda and Astrid Suarez, AP News, July 20, 2024
“For health care, Petro wants a government agency to be in charge of collecting billions of dollars in insurance fees from Colombians, sidelining the private insurance companies that currently manage much of the health system. For the labor sector, he wants to make it harder for companies to hire workers on temporary contracts and also require employers to pay workers full wages on rest days. He also proposed Saturday that legislators reduce the work week from 47 hours to 40, arguing that could increase employment and spur productivity.”
Colombia’s Petro Seeks Legislation to Lower Rents, Power Prices
Oscar Medina, Bloomberg News, July 20, 2024
“Colombia’s electricity tariffs and rental prices are the main drivers of inflation, and the government wants lawmakers to change legislation that regulate such costs, President Gustavo Petro said. While inflation has slowed, high interest rates and energy prices continue to hurt sectors that promote industrial production and homebuilding, Petro told members of the senate and the lower house at the inauguration of the 2024–2025 legislative period. ‘Inflation has two speculative engines: rents and electricity generators,’ Petro said Saturday. ‘We will not be able to develop the industry if we have high interest rates and if we have high electricity tariffs.’”
Estos son los proyectos económicos que presentará el Gobierno en esta legislatura
Óscar Péreza, El Espectador, 20 de julio de 2024
“Tras la decisión de la Corte Constitucional, el presidente Petro dijo que no existen instrumentos reales para avanzar en la reforma agraria y le pidió al Congreso apoyo para sacar adelante esta iniciativa clave para su Gobierno y para cumplir el acuerdo de paz”.
Corte ordenó al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y a Migración Colombia definir una ruta accesible que oriente a la población venezolana sobre las alternativas para permanecer legalmente en territorio nacional
Corte Constitucional de Colombia, 12 de julio de 2024
“La Corte concluyó que el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y la Unidad Administrativa Especial de Migración Colombia desconocieron los derechos al trabajo, mínimo vital e igualdad de los accionantes. Asimismo, restringieron el ejercicio del derecho a solicitar el reconocimiento de la condición de refugio”.
MIGRATION ISSUES
Colombia debería tener un mayor control del paso de migrantes irregulares
Panamá América, 22 de julio de 2024
“Colombia no mantiene un control real sobre las personas que cruzan la selva ni aplican biometría o huella ocular como lo hace Panamá, dijo el ministro. Producto de esta tecnología, se ha detectado alrededor de 48 personas requeridas por la Interpol debido a distintos delitos e incluso, algunos pertenecen a grupos terroristas, subrayó”.
Panama President Says Repatriation of Migrants Crossing the Darien Gap Will Be Voluntary
Associated Press, July 18, 2024
“Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino says that migrants entering Panama through the treacherous Darien Gap will only be sent back to their countries if they agree to do so, potentially diminishing the impact of stricter immigration enforcement Mulino had pushed.”
Panama says migration through border with Colombia is down since President Mulino took office
Juan Zamorano, AP News, July 17, 2024
“Migration through the Darien Gap dividing Colombia and Panama has declined significantly this month since Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino took office and ordered authorities to get control of the dense jungle frontier, the country’s border police said Wednesday…The National Border Service reported Wednesday that 11,363 migrants had crossed the border since July 1, about 9,000 fewer than the same period last year.“
Selva del Darién: Las madres pesadilla disfrazadas de aventura para sus hijos
The Latin American Post, 17 de julio de 2024
“En los primeros cuatro meses de este año se registró un número récord de niños cruzando la selva del Darién. Según UNICEF, esta cifra es un 40% más alta que el año pasado, con más de 30.000 niños haciendo el peligroso viaje”.
DRUG POLICY
Hurto de droga, una de las hipótesis del hallazgo de cadáveres en Puerto Colombia
Brandon Esparragoza, 25 de julio de 2024
“Las autoridades del Atlántico barajan diferentes hipótesis tras el hallazgo de dos cadáveres en las playas del sector de Punta Roca, en Sabanilla, Puerto Colombia”.
El tráfico de drogas socava perpetuamente la búsqueda de la paz en Colombia
The Latin American Post, 22 de julio de 2024
“La persistencia del tráfico de drogas en Colombia, entrelazada con el conflicto armado, continúa saboteando los esfuerzos de paz. La realidad de este tema subraya los desafíos que enfrenta el gobierno colombiano para lograr una paz duradera. El presidente colombiano Gustavo Petro declaró recientemente que el Estado Mayor Central (EMC), la principal facción disidente del ex grupo guerrillero FARC, se retiró de las negociaciones de paz para continuar su participación en el narcotráfico”.
Colombia Faces a New Problem: Too Much Cocaine
Genevieve Glatsky, The New York Times, July 14, 2024
“[T]wo years ago, the villagers said, something alarming happened: The drug traffickers who buy the coca paste and turn it into cocaine stopped showing up. Suddenly, people who were already poor had no income. Food became scarce. An exodus to other parts of Colombia in search of jobs followed. The town of 200 people shrunk to 40…Colombia, the global nexus of the cocaine industry, where Pablo Escobar became the world’s best-known criminal, and which still produces more of the drug than any other nation, is facing tectonic shifts as a result of domestic and global forces that are reshaping the drug industry.”
Discussion about this post