Not “santifying” peace
Publicist Carlos Duque is right when he says tha peace has in some ways been “santified.” It is closely linked with the figure of President Santos. This is problematic for at least two reasons.
Read MoreThe Olympic challenge of Abrão
In the next few days, the Brazilian lawyer Paulo Abrão will become the new executive secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. This is good news for the region given that his experience will be essential to face the multiple challenges of said organization.
Read MoreConcealing hunger statistics
There are two ways to hide a scandalous statistic, like that of child deaths linked to malnutrition in Colombia. One is to solve the problem. The other one is to hide or retouch the statistics.
Read MoreA sentence that is doubly pacifying
The sentence of the Constitutional Court that approved the Plebiscite for Peace (PPP), despite having some debatable aspects, is well balanced and reasonable, to the extent, that in some ways, it could be considered a doubly pacifying decision.
Read MoreThe magistrates against hunger
The deaths of Wayúu boys and girls have been reported for several years to epidemiological monitoring systems, and were known to local and national officers. But the grief for their deaths was not picked up by the microphones.
Read MoreThe last fish of Nueva Venecia
Nueva Venecia (New Venice) is one of the three river towns of the Great Marsh of Santa Marta, and its future is at stake in the face of high environmental risks.
Read MoreImmoral Proposals?
It is regrettable that Vivian Morales, a serious politician and former General Attorney, has lost sight of the right of same-sex couples to adopt.
Read MoreUseful sanctions
The principal objections to the peace accords of La Habana, voiced not only by the political party Centro Democrático, but also by parts of Colombian society, seem to be essentially about the political participation of the FARC and the lack of prison terms for them.
Read MoreTwo Smart Taxes
We live in an era of complex problems: climate change, mass migration, growing global inequality, haphazard terrorism.
Read MoreThe Congresswoman Against the Constitution
Congresswoman Ángela Hernández, from the department of Santander, has become the national spokesperson for homophobia, attempting to stop the Constitution from finally reaching schools.
Read MoreFriends of the “Tutela” Writ
A mistaken defense of the “tutela” write is leading to the reform that many critics of this vital tool to protect citizens rights have sought.
Read MoreDiscomfort and Democracy
Marches, road blocks and protests may create discomfort in some sectors. But attempts to suppress them may end up asphyxiating democracy. Even for those who defend social mobilizations, these protests can become uncomfortable.
Read MoreDemocracy without Participation?
It is foolish, the result of an elitist and antiquated view, to think of social protests as a deficiency. On the contrary, it is the best sign that the excluded sector feels they have a voice to participate politically and express their disagreements.
Read MoreHealth and Patents
The blunt and candid declarations made by Bayer’s CEO Marjn Dekkers’ declarations opened up a discussion about the risks that patents bring to health care.
Read MoreDrug Policy and Human Rights
As the drug policy debate becomes more open and vigorous, especially in Latin America, there have been increasing calls to make respect for human rights the central concern in designing and implementing drug policies.
Read MoreThe second round of the Legal Framework for Peace
Petro’s balcony –and now, Falcao’s knee—have managed to overshadow the recent Constitutional Court decision regarding the Legal Framework for Peace.
Read MoreSabotaging Institutions
Inspector General Ordóñez has managed to achieve his ultimate objective: he has discredited the Constitution of 1991 and created a suitable environment for a constitutional reform.
Read MorePetro’s Options and the Inter-American System of Human Rights
The mayor has three possible lifesavers. One is political and highly unlikely – that the President will not execute the order. Another is legal and unpredictable – the outcome of the numerous “tutela” writs presented before the courts. And the other one is international – appealing to the Inter-American System. Will this last one work for him?
Read MoreMore on Petro’s Removal from Office
There is an crucial legal issue in Petro’s removal from office that has hardly been discussed. It is the following issue: Even if you accept that the Inspector General has the power to remove a mayor, it would have to be done through a rigorous and demanding process, that was not carried out in Petro’s case.
Read MoreProtections in Criminal Procedure and Removal from Office
The debate over the implications of Article 23 of the American Convention in Petro’s case has come down to a single question. Does the Inspector General have the legal power to remove a democratically elected public official from office? Nonetheless, Article 23 also has other important implications.
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