WECF condemns killing of Colombian protesters

WECF International strongly condemns the killing of more than a dozen protesters in Colombia, in a violent episode of state repression.  

We stand in solidarity with the Colombian people, who are exercising their democratic right to peacefully protest against proposed tax hike and other social issues facing the country such as their divisive government, the ongoing attacks on human rightsassassination of social and environmental leaders, lack of proper social security during COVID-19, and police brutality, particularly against the youth. 

The news and images coming out of Colombian towns and cities are deeply shocking and hurtful; and we demand an end to this state-sanctioned violence right away.

We also call on the international community to put pressure on the Colombian government to stop using force against its citizens and killing them; and instead address their concerns as governments are supposed to. In this regard, we – on behalf of our 132 global partner organizations – wrote an open letter to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, EU President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron; calling for their support and immediate action. The full letter can be read here.    

Deputy Head of Division for EU’s Americas Department (South America) Leonor Vieira Sousa responded to our open letter, expressing worry over the level of violence used during the protests, the loss of lives and the thousands of injuries. The full response can be read here.

Photo by: Sebastian Correa (used with permission)