UN Points Out a Surge in Political Violence in Colombia in 2023

In its latest report, the Colombian UN Human Rights Office pointed out a surge in violence in Colombia during the last year. As such, Colombia remains the most dangerous place for civil society human rights defenders, with 105 individuals assassinated.

Nevertheless, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia noted the new government’s willingness to address this violence, underlining the need to implement specific policies to tackle the issue.

Political violence in Colombia

In recent years, illegal armed groups have expanded their presence in Colombia. While 156 municipalities were affected by their activities in 2021, now 206 of 1,103 municipalities (nearly 20 percent) have experienced political violence. These violent groups are mainly active in rural and impoverished regions, such as the Choco and Arauca. In total, 28 of Colombia’s 32 departments have been the theatre of political violence.

For the year 2023, 98 massacres were reported, totaling 320 victims, including 105 human rights defenders and 46 political leaders. Indigenous and African populations have been particularly affected by this violence, as armed groups mainly target vulnerable communities.

Recently, Colombia has also faced challenges with the peace process. The ELN, one of Colombia’s principal armed groups, declared on February 21, 2024, that it had suspended peace talks with the government. Although the group later announced the resumption of the dialogue, this highlights the fragility of this peace process.

Goal changes and government response

In its report, the UN Human Rights Office in Colombia highlighted changes in the strategy of violent groups. Notably, illegal armed groups are now prioritizing social control over territorial control, which was traditionally their strategy. In other words, these groups are not seeking to expel the targeted populations but rather to exercise control over them, that is, to replace the state as the supreme authority.

This phenomenon was recently exemplified on February 25, 2024, when a group of civilians attacked the Colombian military in the Cauca department. The action was, in fact, orchestrated by a local armed group which sought to expel the army, the ultimate embodiment of the state, from the area.

In its recommendations, the UN High Commissioner advised the Colombian government to strengthen governance and the state’s presence in territories impacted by violence. Highlighting the use of children by armed groups and cases of gender-based violence, the UN Human Rights Office also acknowledged the government’s commitment to tackle social inequalities.