Colombia - September 2024

On 18 September, the Colombian government suspended peace negotiations with the insurgent group known as the National Liberation Army (ELN) following a violent attack on a military base in the Arauca region, attributed to the group, which left two dead and over 20 wounded. The peace talks with the ELN had been in crisis since March due to the its refusal to stop using kidnapping and extortion methods and the government's decision to open a separate negotiation table with a now dissident faction of the ELN. The situation worsened in August when both parties failed to extend the year-long ceasefire. Nevertheless, the suspension of peace negotiations marks the most significant crisis since talks began in 2022 under President Petro, dealing a major blow to the country’s efforts to achieve total peace. Government representatives have expressed their willingness to resume talks, but only if the ELN demonstrates a clear commitment to peace and to negotiating an end to the armed conflict.

Sources: AP News, La Silla Vacia, Deutsche Welle, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2)

On 20 September, the National Health Superintendence, a state agency overseeing healthcare services in Colombia, issued its first regulation to ensure comprehensive access to healthcare for the transgender population. The document instructs health providers on how to guarantee and improve healthcare access for the trans community while preventing discrimination. Key measures include training on human rights and gender sensitivity, respecting the identity names of transgender patients, and creating databases on this population’s access to healthcare services. The goal is to eliminate existing barriers that have historically hindered access to adequate healthcare for transgender individuals in Colombia. Furthermore, it establishes sanctions for those who repeatedly discriminate against transgender patients. LGBTQIA+ organizations have praised the regulation as a positive step toward ensuring equal access to healthcare and advancing human rights for their community.

Sources: Caribe Afirmativo, La Silla Vacia, Consultor Salud, El Espectador