Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Sunday that his government suspended the ceasefire with the EMC group of rebels in the departments of Nariño, Cauca and Valle del Cauca. The announcement comes a day after the rebel group attacked an indigenous community in the country. An armed group on Saturday shot an indigenous guard in Toribío, [...]
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Florida governor activates state guard in preparation for Haiti migrants
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced via X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday over 250 officers and soldiers will be stationed at the Florida Keys and southern waters in preparation for a surge of migrants from Haiti. Speaking on the action, DeSantis said: For quite some time, the State of Florida has been dedicating significant resources to [...]
At least 126 human rights defenders were murdered in the Americas in 2023, according to a statement published Tuesday by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights (IACHR). The IACHR stated that this high violence rate was directed toward land and environment defenders, leaders of indigenous communities and leaders of communities of African descent. In the [...]
Colombia government secures release of kidnapping victims held by National Liberation Army
The Peace Delegation of the Colombian Government announced the release of the 26 individuals who, until December 2023, had been reported and confirmed as victims of kidnapping with economic motives by Colombia’s self-proclaimed National Liberation Army (ELN). Through a statement, the ELN’s Central Command confirmed the release of each individual on Thursday, in compliance with the [...]
Colombia initiates peace talks with Second Marquetalia armed group
Colombia’s Office of the High Commissioner for Peace issued a joint statement on Friday with the Second Marquetalia, formally initiating a dialogue aimed at achieving a peace agreement with the armed group. This initiative is in line with the peace policy established by the Total Peace Law promoted by Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The law [...]
Colombia and National Liberation Army extend bilateral ceasefire for six months
The Colombian government and the rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) Tuesday agreed to extend their landmark truce for 180 days. The truce, called the Bilateral, National and Temporary Ceasefire, was previously extended by one week on January 30 2024, while each side continued ongoing peace talks. In addition to the extension, the peace process is [...]
Colombia government and ELN rebels extend ceasefire for 7 days
On Monday, the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) announced that they would extend the current ceasefire by a week. Meanwhile, delegates from both sides continue to discuss policies that could ensure a longer period of peace. The statement says: Taking into account that today, January 29, 2024, the CFBNT (bilateral, national and [...]
Trial of Jimmy Lai: 'It's About Freedom and Democracy,' Says Hong Kong Freedom Committee Director
The Hong Kong trial of prominent pro-democracy activist and media mogul Jimmy Lai has garnered widespread attention globally. Lai, a 76-year-old British citizen and high-profile critic of Beijing, faces national security charges, and his trial is expected to take months. Lai is a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. His detention and subsequent trial exemplify [...]
Colombia ombudsman's office reports 181 activist murders in 2023
The Colombian Ombudsman’s Office (DPC) reported Tuesday that 181 social leaders and human rights defenders were murdered in 2023. The figure dropped 16 percent from the data reported for 2022. The ombudsman’s office, in its “Annual report on the killings of social leaders and human rights defenders,” highlighted the alarming situation faced by individuals dedicated [...]
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa announces plan for referendum on stricter security measures
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced on Wednesday plans for a national referendum to implement stricter anti-crime legislation and tighten security measures in a bid to curb an upward trend of escalating crime rates and violence in the country. In a letter addressed to the Constitutional Court of the South American country, Noboa submitted 11 draft [...]