Since April 28th, Colombian citizens have been protesting peacefully in a national strike against the Colombian government's proposed tax reform. The protests are part of the legitimate right to defend human rights, the right to public assembly and demonstration, enshrined in the Colombian Constitution. The Colombian security forces have responded to the protests with excessive use of power, resulting in violence and several deaths of Colombian citizens.
The NHRF is very concerned about the excessive use of force by some members of the security forces in Colombia. Dialogue and negotiation are the only ways to resolve differences in a democratic environment that will help to find an agreed solution between the protesters and the Colombian government. We want to reaffirm our commitment to the work of human rights organisations and defenders in the country who are monitoring and denouncing human rights violations. We will continue to support the important work they do through our national and international spaces.
Photo: Escuela Nacional Sindical.