2021 Colombian protests

The 2021 Colombian protests were a series of demonstrations and civil unrest that took place across Colombia from April to December 2021. The protests were initially sparked by a proposed tax reform by the government of President Iván Duque Márquez, which was perceived as disproportionately affecting the middle and lower-income classes. The protests quickly expanded to include broader issues such as police brutality, economic inequality, and corruption.

Background

Colombia has a long history of social and political unrest, often linked to economic inequality and armed conflict. The Colombian conflict, which has persisted for decades, has contributed to a complex socio-political landscape. In 2016, the government signed a peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), but many underlying issues remained unresolved.

In 2021, the Colombian government proposed a tax reform aimed at increasing revenue to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reform included measures such as expanding the value-added tax (VAT) base and increasing income taxes for individuals. Critics argued that the reform would disproportionately burden the middle and lower-income populations, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Timeline of Events

April 2021

The protests began on April 28, 2021, with a national strike organized by labor unions, student groups, and indigenous organizations. The initial demonstrations were largely peaceful, but clashes with police soon erupted in several cities, including Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín.

May 2021

As the protests continued into May, the government withdrew the proposed tax reform on May 2, 2021. However, the protests persisted, with demonstrators demanding broader reforms, including changes to the police force and improvements in healthcare and education.

June to December 2021

The protests continued sporadically throughout the year, with varying levels of intensity. The government engaged in dialogue with protest leaders, but tensions remained high. By December 2021, the protests had largely subsided, but many of the underlying issues remained unresolved.

Key Issues

Tax Reform

The proposed tax reform was the catalyst for the protests. It aimed to increase government revenue by expanding the VAT and increasing income taxes. Critics argued that it would disproportionately affect the middle and lower classes, leading to widespread opposition.

Police Brutality

Reports of police violence during the protests fueled public anger. Human rights organizations documented numerous instances of excessive force, leading to calls for police reform and accountability.

Economic Inequality

Colombia has one of the highest levels of income inequality in Latin America. The protests highlighted the economic disparities and the need for more equitable social policies.

Corruption

Corruption has been a persistent issue in Colombian politics, undermining public trust in government institutions. Protesters demanded greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Government Response

The government initially responded with a heavy police presence, which led to further violence and international condemnation. President Duque eventually withdrew the tax reform and initiated dialogue with protest leaders. However, the response was criticized for being slow and inadequate in addressing the broader demands of the protesters.

International Reaction

The international community expressed concern over the violence and human rights violations during the protests. Organizations such as the United Nations and Human Rights Watch called for investigations into the reported abuses and urged the Colombian government to respect the rights of protesters.

Also see

• Colombian conflict
• 2020 Colombian protests
• Iván Duque Márquez
• Human rights in Colombia
• COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia