The UN report asks Colombia to protect civilians against the basis of the ongoing violence

The recently published report that covers 2024, highlights the devastating impact on civilians, especially indigenous peoples, aphuro-descending communities.

The report details how these armed groups use violence to exercise control over the population, promoting their own economic interests and undermining the governance.

Catatumbo region

The escalation of the fight in the Catatumbo region in mid -January, which led to over 52 deaths and the forced displacement of tens of thousands, emphasizes the severe suffering of civilians trapped.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stressed the need for the Colombian government to give priority to its population protection with non-state armed groups.

“Ensuring that the state is present throughout Colombia and has access to no restrictions in areas where these groups operate is essential to guarantee the rights of all.

“This includes preventing the recruitment of children under the age of 18 and ensuring the immediate release of those already under the control of armed groups,” said Mr. Türk.

Children’s recruits

The report reveals that 216 children were recruited by non-state armed groups in 2024, many of them from indigenous communities.

Mr. Türk asked the authorities to take immediate measures to protect these vulnerable populations, especially those with extreme risk due to the ongoing internal armed conflicts.

In addition to recruiting children, Ohchr He checked that 252 people were killed in 72 massacres last year.

Another 89 human rights defenders were also killed during this period. The head of UN rights welcomed the resumption of dialogue between the state and the civil society regarding the protection of human rights, but stressed that more must be done to ensure their safety, especially for those who defend the environment.

The report also requests the prompt implementation of the Escazú Agreement, a regional environmental treaty and Colombia ratified human rights last year.

Environmental protection

Mr. Türk emphasized the importance of this agreement in protecting both the environment and those who defend it.

To accelerate the implementation Security Council And the 2016 Peace Agreement supported by the UN, which has concluded decades against the Government by the FARC rebels, the report calls on the Colombian authorities to give priority to the protection of civilians and to strengthen the governance in different regions.

It also emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts in implementing government security, total peace and disassembly of policies.

Some progress

Despite the challenges, the report recognizes progress in several fields, including comprehensive rural reform and the activity of special jurisdiction for peace – the TRANDATIONAL Justice Court established by the Peace Agreement.

The recent decisions to accuse the former commanders of Guerrilla Farc-EP and former high-ranking military officials, with crimes against humanity and war crimes are considered fundamental steps against the impunity and in the fulfillment of the victims to truth and justice.

The report also welcomes the continuous reforms of the security sector, including police and information services, aimed at strengthening respect for human rights, transparency and responsibility.

The will of these institutions to continue the cooperation with the UN Office for Human Rights is considered a positive development.

The report is scheduled to be presented at Human Rights Council on March 3, 2025.