In the framework of International Human Rights Day, the question arises: Does the Colombian Government protect the rights of immigrants? The Colombian Organization for Migration reported that 487,272 people entered irregularly between January 1 and November 15, 2023.
Thousands of migrants face inhumane conditions and mental health problems in Ipiales and Inírida. I instructed a special investigation agency into the disappearance of 38 immigrants on the island of San Andrés, which is a critical point for the United States. In Acandí and the Gulf of Urabá, 300 to 400 people per day pass through Necoclí and Turbo alone; 339,191 immigrants crossed by October, which led, among other things, to the dollarization of the local economy.
As we warned in our 48 recommendations to 17 organizations, there are significant humanitarian challenges in the Darién Gap and Cúcuta. Migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Afghanistan, Venezuela or China face dangerous journeys, including cross-border crimes such as human smuggling, immigrant smuggling and money laundering, turning this drama into a national security issue.
It is worrying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the administrative authority on immigration matters, lacks leadership in directing and executing the Public Immigration Policy. Given the situation in the Darién Gap, a preliminary investigation was launched against the minister of Migración Colombia, the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, its director general and the deputy director of immigration control.
Our work on monitoring, controlling and surveillance of migration dynamics in Colombia is very important. We gave voice to people and families in need of protection and called on state and territorial bodies to take urgent action. However, the capacity of the competent authorities in the regions is either insufficient or non-existent. The growing dependence on international aid highlights the need to reform our system to confront the migration crisis effectively and humanely.
As National Attorney General, I witnessed these realities in various parts of the country and focused our efforts on resolving complex immigration issues. This issue became a priority for us, we worked tirelessly, visited the affected places, learned about the problems and made the necessary calls.
This situation represents a mosaic of challenges that require a collective, coordinated and comprehensive response. It is not enough to reaffirm commitments; Concrete actions are needed in the design and implementation of plans and strategies that secure the human rights of immigrants. We must work together to implement a comprehensive migration policy that meets the needs of these vulnerable groups and guarantees safe, orderly and orderly migration.
The migration crisis in Colombia is not just a matter of numbers and policies; This is a matter of human life. I reiterate my call on the authorities to handle this situation responsibly. Human dignity is no longer an ideal, but can be a tangible reality for everyone, regardless of origin or situation.
We have made various recommendations through preventive reports from the Attorney General’s Office, but given the inaction of the National Government and regional authorities, we will continue to enforce any disciplinary decisions that may arise. It is time to turn our apathy into action, and our action into hope for those who need it most.
DAISY WHITE HAIR
Chief Public Prosecutor of the Nation
(Read all of Margarita Cabello’s articles on EL TIEMPO here)
Source: Exame
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
