UN Experts Demand Justice and Accountability Three Years After Colombia's National Strike Killings

The experts highlighted the continued impunity for perpetrators and raised concerns over the lack of accountability, particularly regarding the 16 reported cases of unlawful killings of demonstrators during the 2021 protests.

Three years after Colombia’s deadly national strike, independent UN experts have called for urgent progress in investigations into the killings and human rights violations resulting from excessive police force and violence during the protests. The experts highlighted the continued impunity for perpetrators and raised concerns over the lack of accountability, particularly regarding the 16 reported cases of unlawful killings of demonstrators during the 2021 protests.

In a joint statement, the UN experts criticized Colombia’s failure to advance investigations in line with international standards, leaving victims and their families vulnerable to threats and further violence. They expressed disappointment that the authorities have not effectively addressed the excessive use of force by security forces and the failure to prevent attacks by anti-strike agitators.

Progress and Stagnation in Human Rights Efforts

The experts acknowledged the positive steps taken by Colombia's current government to address human rights violations during the protests, including the establishment of the Permanent Inter-institutional Technical Table. This initiative aims to oversee cases of human rights abuses in the context of social protests and the recent directive from the National Prosecutor’s Office that safeguards the right to protest.

However, despite these efforts, the experts highlighted several concerning setbacks:

The Technical Table’s stagnation in advancing its work, particularly regarding investigations into human rights violations.

Delays in the justice process and failures in regulating the use of less-lethal weapons during protests.

Delays in overhauling the Prosecutor's framework, which is crucial for addressing these violations.

The UN experts warned that these delays and failures could amount to a denial of justice, further contributing to a climate of impunity and eroding public trust.

Concerns Over Judicial Transfers and Intimidation

Another significant concern is the transfer of judicial proceedings from civilian courts to military courts, which has raised doubts about the impartiality and effectiveness of the investigations. The experts also reported instances of threats and intimidation against those involved in the judicial process, including victims, witnesses, lawyers, and human rights defenders. These acts of intimidation pose serious risks to justice and undermine the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Colombia.

Call for Accountability and Reform

The UN experts urged the Colombian authorities to expedite the investigations into the arbitrary killings and other human rights violations that occurred during the national strike, particularly in areas such as Siloé in Cali and other affected regions. They called on the government to hold perpetrators accountable, ensure reparations for the victims’ families, and take preventive measures to avoid future violations.

The experts also stressed the need for an in-depth reform of Colombia’s security sector to prevent the recurrence of such violations, ensure accountability, and restore public confidence in the justice system.

The experts concluded by reaffirming their commitment to continuing dialogue with the Colombian government and sent a letter to raise their concerns, urging swift action to address the situation.