UK: Call from Colombian academics for support from international colleagues.

Subject: Call from Colombian academics for support from international colleagues.

 Dear Friends and Colleagues,

 Peaceful protesters in Colombia are facing violent repression, including killings, disappearances and arbitrary detentions. It would be great if you could help us sign and share the below letter calling for an inclusive dialogue that will end the recent violence in Colombia. The letter has been prepared by the Latin American Centre at LSE.

 The text is included below, or you can read and sign at: https://buff.ly/2R0BR0S

 Please also share it with wider networks, such as departmental colleagues, mailing lists, and social media followers.

 To share via Twitter: https://buff.ly/3eslR0I

 To share via Linkedin (choose "share in a post"; you will be given the chance to add a comment):

 https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://buff.ly/2R0BR0S

 Many thanks,

 Natalia 

 Dr Natalia Buitron

Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow

Department of International Development

University of Oxford

Queen Elizabeth House, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB

Email: natalia.buitron@qeh.ox.ac.uk

 

 

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Dear President Duque,

 

Though most of the protests taking place since 28 April 2021 have been peaceful, some have ended in violence against citizens and the police, as well as damage to public and private infrastructure. We echo our Colombian colleagues' rejection of all acts of violence and abuses of human rights.

 

We condemn especially the excessive and often lethal use of force by police. According to the Ombudsman's Office of Colombia, 24 people have already died (as of 5 May) during the unrest, including many in clashes with police and military forces. Reports from NGOs suggest the number of casualties may be even higher, while there are also numerous allegations of disappearances, rapes and sexual violence, assaults, and arbitrary arrests. We call on the Colombian government to respect human rights, guarantee the right to peaceful protest, and ensure the welfare of protestors. Fair and transparent access to judicial processes must also be guaranteed.

 

We also condemn all types of violence against police and security forces, governmental institutions, and public and private infrastructure. There are reports of attacks against human rights observers and medical staff, blocks on the supply of essential goods, and disruptions to transport that affect both patients and health professionals despite the ongoing pandemic. Freedom of assembly and protest cannot and should not be accompanied by violence.

 

We urge the Colombian government to immediately initiate a national dialogue that can bring about a peaceful de-escalation of this situation as soon as possible.

 Send by dr. Marta R. Zabaleta

19 May 2021, London