During the past week, one Indigenous leader, one social leader, one former member of the FARC were assassinated, and three people were killed in a new massacre

According to INDEPAZ, between April 1 and 11, ten people were killed in three massacres, eleven social leaders were assassinated and one ex-combatant was killed in different departments of Colombia

In this round, the negotiating parties seek to reach an agreement on the possibility of establishing a bilateral ceasefire

Márquez reported that her security team found a highly destructive explosive device near her family home during a security check before her visit

The ceasefire is set to last from December 24 until January 2, 2023 “to create an atmosphere of peace” over Christmas and New Year. The announcement comes just days after the conclusion of the first round of peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government

The rights organization INDEPAZ noted that the armed groups had expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with President Gustavo Petro and to accept legal benefits in exchange for peace

The agreement is a historic step to guarantee the rights of environmentalists, Afro-descendant and Indigenous communities, who are often threatened and killed in Colombia