The rejection of the peace agreement in Colombia is a missed opportunity for the country to finally move away from its tragic 50-year-long war, said Amnesty International.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said

“Today will go down in history as the day Colombia turned its back to what could have been an end to a 50-year long conflict that devastated millions of lives.

 “Although imperfect, the agreement represented a concrete way forward for peace and justice. The uncertainty this vote brings could place millions of Colombians, particularly those from vulnerable groups such as Indigenous, Afro-descendant and peasant farmer communities at  greater risk of suffering human rights violations.”

“It’s imperative that Colombia does not walk away from this project and that the country continues to move towards the long awaited peace millions are longing for.”

Read more:

Colombia: Historic peace deal must ensure justice and an end to human rights abuses (News, 26 September 2016)