Protests in Colombia
According to CNN in just a week of protests across Colombia, 42 people have been killed and hundreds injured.
On the 28th of April 2021, thousands of Colombians took to the streets in protest against the Colombian government’s new tax reform bill; issued in response to the pandemic-caused economic crisis. The BBC states that Colombia currently has one of the lowest tax revenues compared to other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This bill’s aim was to raise $6.3 billion, by increasing taxes on businesses, dividends, products and on low- and middle-income citizens. The New York Times reported that unions, who organised the protests, said it would disproportionately impact the poorest people who were already struggling with the economic impact of Covid-19. But the government argued that the reform was key to mitigating Colombia’s economic crisis.
BBC News also wrote that human rights groups reported that riot police had not only used tear gas to disperse protesters but, in some cases, shot live ammunition. After four days of protests, Colombia’s president (President Iván Duque) announced he would withdraw the bill. However, the protests have continued in major Colombian cities. This is because the protestors believe that the withdrawal of the tax reform is not enough and that they also want improvements to Colombia’s pension, health, and education systems. The Guardian adds that the continuation of protests was also fuelled by the ‘government’s iron-fisted response to protests.’
On the 4th of May, the United Nation’s human rights office accused Colombia’s security forces of using excessive force and said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports that police had opened fire on protesters. In response, Colombia’s defence minister said illegal armed groups had infiltrated the protests and were to blame for the demonstrations descending into chaos and vandalism.
How To Help Colombia Protesters Right Now #SOSColombia (remezcla.com) , Join Us in Supporting Colombians Who Are Demanding Justice (wola.org) , Seek international action to resolve unrest in Colombia — Petitions (parliament.uk) — to sign petitions, donate and learn more.
