On November 24, 2016 peace agreements between the Colombian government and the FARC-EP have been signed in order to put an end to the war that started in 1948. Unfortunately, numbers speak for themselves; more than 128 assassinations of social leaders, human rights defenders, afro Colombians and Amerindians perpetrated by the far right paramilitary groups. Hypocritically, the government considers that paramilitary groups do not exist despite threats these groups send to their victims.

On the other hand, the state repression by security forces does not stop; on October 5, 2017 the army and the national policy opened fire against civilians in Nariño, south Colombia. The shooting happened during a peaceful protest where 4 civilians have been killed and more than 10 wounded. This is in violation of the peace agreement and a massacre. On October 8, 2017, a group of human rights defenders, journalists, UN delegates and members of the Organisation of American States was sent to investigate the crimes. However, the Colombian army opened fire on them as well. In addition, the Colombian army is continuously cracking down on students and popular movements in the country.

UN Assistant Secretary-General, Andrew Gilmour, informs that the reintegration of the guerilleros demobilized by the FARC does not improve the situation. It is a threat to the peace agreements of the country. Despite the demobilization and the surrender of weapons on time from the FARC, 23 among their members and families have been killed.

ICSFT rejects on the strongest terms and condemns these atrocious acts and urges the Colombian Government:

1. To guarantee civil and political rights to the opposition and the right of peaceful assembly, freedom of speech and expression for the Colombian population.

2. To open an independent investigation on the crimes perpetrated against human rights defenders, social leaders, afro Colombians, Amerindians and farmers.

3. To guarantee freedom of expression of local, regional and international journalists.

4. To guarantee and protect the work of human rights defenders on national and international territory.

5. To guarantee the right of aboriginal people, afro-descendants and Colombian farmers.

6. To guarantee the right to life and dignity to the population. We include the demobilized guerrilleros who are looking to undertake a new and peaceful life with social justice.