Thomas Power

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — For a week, people from all over the world have looked on in horror as the Colombian government’s crackdown on a national strike has been unforgiving. Different organizations have different tallies, but they all indicate tragedy.

A coalition of Colombian and international organizations file complaints, claiming “Carbones de Cerrejón” is responsible for human rights violations. 

Over 200 demobilized guerrillas have been killed since the 2016 Peace Accord between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) as a multitude of other illegal armed groups spread and grow. In October, the new FARC political party led a pilgrimage for life and peace across the country to demand that the Peace Accords be implemented and the violence stop.

BOGOTÁ, Colombia — On September 21, social movements, trade unions, and student organizations held protests throughout Colombia, resulting in 142 actions including in the cities of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

Since March, the Colombian military has been carrying out counter-narcotic operations, resulting in the deaths of small-scale farmers.