The forthcoming congressional and presidential elections in Colombia are fundamental for the reconciliation process, as the next phase of implementation of the peace agreement and the possibilities of building a stable and lasting peace depend on the political will and electoral mandate of the government.
After 28 days of demonstrations, the conditions for a national dialogue are yet to appear. Violence continues to be used by state forces against protesters in several cities across Colombia. At many of the assembly points, protesters have been attacked by armed actors, and the allegations against the police of sexual violence are alarming.
As UK-based scholars conducting research in Colombia, we express our horror at recent events in Colombia, and call on the British government to support calls to protect the right to peaceful protest.
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