UN raises alarm over rising violence from armed groups in Colombia

The United Nations reported an increase in violence from armed groups in Colombia, despite ongoing peace talks. In 2024, 252 people died in massacres, and 89 human rights defenders were killed, with many children forcibly recruited. The UN highlighted a recent surge in fighting in the Catatumbo region, displacing over 50,000 people. Analysts noted that the security situation has worsened under President Gustavo Petro's peace initiative, which reduced military actions against these groups. While the report indicated a decrease in the overall number of massacres and murders of rights defenders, it emphasized the need for greater state presence to protect human rights in affected areas.