Overview of Human Rights in Colombia

Colombia is a constitutional, multiparty democracy. Serious human rights problems remain although the government is working to improve its record. However, there are still major obstacles hindering their ability to do so.

A forty year armed conflict continues between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and certain parts of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). This situation does not allow for high levels of certainty and security in and about the nation. While the government is responsible for some of the human rights violations, the majority are being committed by FARC, AUC and ELN.

Political killings, killings of teachers and union leaders, torture, forced displacement, intimidation of judges, witnesses and lawyers, recruitment of child soldiers, and restrictions on the freedom of movement, are among the abuses being committed on a daily basis by the paramilitary groups.

For those persons who are internally displaced, there are concerns about unhygienic conditions at displacement camps, and limited access to the basic necessities of life.

Child abuse, labor, prostitution and trafficking for the purpose of forced sexual labor are also areas of concern. Corruption, harassment of journalists, arbitrary arrest, and societal discrimination against minorities and indigenous people are also daily problems in Colombia.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

70th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.