Tens of thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Sunday to protest against President Gustavo Petro’s proposed social reforms, highlighting significant concerns over human rights. City officials estimated that approximately 70,000 people gathered in Bogotá to express their discontent, with large-scale demonstrations occurring in several other cities, including Medellín and Bucaramanga. Protesters voiced their opposition to Petro’s plans to reform healthcare, retirement, employment, and prison systems. These rallies, among the largest since Petro took office in 2022, suggest growing unrest and underline the importance of respecting human rights in policymaking.
President Petro responded to the protests on social media, acknowledging their size in some cities while downplaying their impact in others. He characterized the demonstrations as part of a “soft coup” aiming to destabilize his government. “The main goal of the marches is to shout ‘Petro Out’ and to topple the government,” he said on X, formerly Twitter. Protesters, however, insisted their goal was to draw attention to the potential human rights implications of Petro’s reforms and to demand greater transparency and public consultation. Monica Leon, a 45-year-old doctor, expressed concern about the proposed healthcare reform, suggesting it would impact patients’ rights to adequate care. “The health system, despite its flaws, was working, and now Petro is putting an end to it by plunging patients who have no healthcare or medicine into a crisis,” she said.
The protests have raised concerns among human rights groups and peace advocates, who emphasize the need for peaceful solutions and respect for the right to peaceful assembly. While most demonstrations remained peaceful, there are fears of escalation. Our organization supports non-violent protest and advocates for dialogue between the government and its critics to find common ground. Violence and unrest can exacerbate tensions and undermine the potential for a constructive resolution to human rights issues. It’s vital to promote peaceful approaches to conflict resolution.
Since taking office in 2022, Gustavo Petro has faced significant challenges in implementing his social reform agenda while ensuring respect for human rights. As Colombia’s first leftist president, he has encountered resistance from conservative business groups and a hostile congress. Shortly after his inauguration, Petro lost his legislative majority, complicating his reform efforts. His approval rating has since declined, with a recent Invamer poll showing that 70 percent of Colombians believe the country’s situation is worsening. Petro’s proposed reforms, including a recent healthcare reform rejected by a Senate committee, have faced setbacks, leading him to consider radical measures like rewriting the constitution. This has drawn criticism for potentially undermining democratic principles and human rights protections.
The recent protests underscore the critical need for peaceful and human-rights-focused solutions as Colombia navigates its way through political and social reforms. The government’s response to this unrest will play a significant role in shaping the country’s future, with open dialogue and respect for human rights being crucial. As the government prepares to propose new versions of its health, pension, and labor reforms, a commitment to peaceful negotiation and human rights protections will be essential to achieving a stable and equitable future for all Colombians.