As of January 29, 2021, 17 social leaders and 5 ex-combatants of the FARC have been assassinated in Colombia. Additionally, over 21 people have been killed in 8 massacres registered this month

The levels of violence in Colombia have not abated in 2021. In one day, two massacres were carried out and 2 leaders were assassinated

In the first four days of this year, two social leaders and two former combatants of the FARC have been assassinated in Colombia

Despite promises to focus all efforts towards combating the pandemic, many states used the pretext of the lockdown to intensify repression of people’s movements and dissenting voices

On top of the existing violence and institutional impediments, this year was particularly taxing for the defenders of land and environment as they had to face double whammy of COVID-19 pandemic and the intensification of neoliberalism under it

Between November 30 and December 7, six Indigenous leaders, two Afro-descendant leaders, two environmentalists and one social leader were murdered in Colombia

Mobilizations will continue in Colombia over the next couple of days to demand an end to Ivan Duque’s anti-people policies and against the lack of political will to address the urgent and pressing issue of violence against communities.

This weekend, between November 13 & 15, twelve Colombians including two minors were assassinated by illegal paramilitary groups and national security officials

The agreements between the FARC party and the Colombian national government are the outcome of the Pilgrimage for Life and Peace, made by hundreds of ex-combatants demanding compliance with peace accords

Social movements have taken to the streets and highways in rejection of the concerning escalation of violence against communities

Meanwhile, four indigenous leaders were killed in other parts of the country as mobilizations took place in Bogotá.

The organizations of the Social Minga are demanding protection for social leaders, right to defend their land, right to democracy and the construction of peace in the country