In a statement released in this capital, the entity welcomed the adoption of Presidential Decree 1231 of 2024, which incorporates international human rights standards on the use of force, including firearms and less lethal devices.

According to the representative in Colombia of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Juliette De Rivero, “we rarely witness such a transformation in a state institution: since the National Strike in 2021, where we observed the excessive use of force that resulted in the death of protesters and other people.”

She considered that there is currently a situation of better management of street demonstrations in the country and structural changes that allow for better accountability.

She also stressed that the recently issued decree was the result of dialogue between the Ministry of Defense, the National Police and civil society organizations, around the Roundtable for Police Reform, which was facilitated by the UN Office for Human Rights.

The official also praised that this new regulation establishes the use of force as a last resort, integrates the principle of differentiation and strengthens accountability measures by the Public Force, among other positive decisions.

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