2021 Colombian protests

2021 Colombian Protests
Part of Protests in Colombia
250px Protesters in Bogotá, Colombia, May 2021
Date	April 28, 2021 – ongoing
Location	Colombia
Caused by	Proposed tax reform, police brutality, economic inequality
Goals	Withdrawal of tax reform, police reform, improved social services
Methods	Demonstrations, strikes, road blockades
Status	Ongoing
Lead figures
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Units involved
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Casualties and losses
44+ deaths (as of June 2021) 2,000+ injured

The 2021 Colombian protests were a series of demonstrations and civil unrest that began on April 28, 2021, in response to a proposed tax reform by the government of President Iván Duque Márquez. The protests quickly expanded to include broader grievances such as police brutality, economic inequality, and the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The protests were initially sparked by a tax reform bill introduced by the Duque administration, which aimed to increase taxes on individuals and businesses to address the fiscal deficit exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The reform was perceived as disproportionately affecting the middle and lower classes, leading to widespread discontent.

Timeline of Events

April 2021

On April 28, 2021, thousands of Colombians took to the streets in major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali to protest the proposed tax reform. The protests were organized by labor unions, student groups, and indigenous organizations.

May 2021

The protests intensified in May, with reports of violent clashes between protesters and police. The government deployed the military to assist the police in maintaining order. On May 2, President Duque announced the withdrawal of the tax reform bill, but protests continued as demonstrators demanded broader reforms.

June 2021

By June, the protests had resulted in significant casualties, with reports of over 40 deaths and thousands injured. Human rights organizations criticized the Colombian government for excessive use of force by security forces.

Key Issues

Tax Reform

The proposed tax reform was intended to raise approximately $6.3 billion to stabilize Colombia's economy. Key measures included increasing the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services and expanding the tax base.

Police Brutality

The protests highlighted longstanding issues of police brutality in Colombia. The Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios (ESMAD), a riot control unit, was accused of using excessive force against protesters.

Economic Inequality

Colombia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in Latin America. The pandemic exacerbated economic disparities, leading to increased poverty and unemployment.

Government Response

The Colombian government initially responded with a heavy-handed approach, deploying the military and imposing curfews in several cities. President Duque later announced a national dialogue to address the protesters' demands.

International Reaction

The international community expressed concern over the violence in Colombia. The United Nations and Human Rights Watch called for investigations into human rights abuses.

Also see

• 2020 Colombian Protests
• Iván Duque Márquez
• Human rights in Colombia
• Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios