Social leaders of the Catatumbo traveled to Bogotá to ask for attention from the national government in the face of the serious humanitarian and security crisis in their region, caused by clashes between the ELN and the dissidents of the FARC. With a balance of at least 60 dead and hundreds of displaced in January, they demand a ceasefire, greater state presence and sustainable development projects.
News Bogotá
In the midst of a humanitarian and security crisis that seriously affects the Catatumbo region, social leaders arrived in Bogotá to request the urgent attention of the national government. Its objective is to establish a direct dialogue with President Gustavo Petro and his cabinet, in order to find solutions that protect their communities and guarantee decent living conditions.
A group of 120 social leaders of Catatumbo requires the National Government to attend the serious crisis of violence and displacement in their region. The leaders have installed tents in the Plaza de Bolívar as part of a peaceful protest, with the aim of making visible their situation and pressing to obtain urgent responses by President Gustavo Petro and his cabinet.
In their specifications, social leaders request cessation to the fire between illegal armed groups, the implementation of development programs for the region and a greater presence of the State to guarantee the safety of the civilian population. During their stay in the square, they have been carrying out awareness activities and seeking to make an audience with government officials to file their demands formally.
The catatumbo situation
The situation in the Catatumbo has deteriorated rapidly due to the clashes between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Dissidencies of the FARC. These armed clashes have left an alarming balance of victims and displaced so far this year. According to UN data, at least 60 people have lost their lives in January, although the governor of Norte de Santander elevates the figure to 80.
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One of the most serious events occurred recently in Tibú, where a family was killed, including a baby. This act of violence has generated great indignation at national and international level, making visible the difficult situation of the civilian population in the region.
Social leaders have requested, among their most urgent requests, the cessation to the fire between the armed groups, the strengthening of the state presence in the region, and the implementation of sustainable development projects that allow to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the inhabitants of the inhabitants of the inhabitants of the Catatumbo.
Various human rights organizations and the international community have expressed concern about the escalation of violence, urging the Colombian government to take immediate measures to guarantee the safety of civilians.
Made by: Leidy Lisbeth Easter Barco
