A recent report by the International Independent Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement has highlighted pervasive racism against people of African descent in Colombia, revealing deeply ingrained biases within national institutions. This finding underscores the challenges faced by Afro-Colombians, a community that comprises approximately 26% of the nation’s population but remains among its most marginalized groups. The insights were gathered following an eleven-day investigative visit to several major Colombian cities.
The report outlines how discriminatory practices are routinely experienced by young Afro-Colombians, particularly in interactions with law enforcement. Instances of police conduct, such as unwarranted stop and search operations under vague pretexts like ‘fitting a description’ or ‘suspicious behavior,’ are alarmingly common. Furthermore, the absence of comprehensive and publicly accessible data on these incidents exacerbates the issue, as it hinders accountability and allows racial profiling and excessive force to persist unchecked.
In making its observations, the UN mechanism acknowledged the Colombian government’s efforts to confront structural racism, highlighting legislative attempts such as the reform of police force guidelines during social protests and a preference for civil dialogue. However, despite these efforts, Afro-Colombians continue to suffer from economic marginalization, territorial displacement, and threats from non-State armed groups, afflictions that remain prevalent due to systemic discrimination.
One historical measure aimed at addressing these inequities is Law 70, enacted in 1993. This legislation, also known as the ‘Law of Black Communities,’ was designed to shield Afro-descendant populations from discrimination, acknowledging their cultural heritage and guaranteeing their territorial rights. However, the promises of Law 70 contrast sharply with the reality faced by Afro-Colombians, whose living conditions often provoke significant civil actions, such as the noted civic strike in 2017.
According to JURIST, this strike compelled the authorities to offer solutions to their dire predicament, illuminating the persistence of racial inequalities despite formal protections. As the international community and local representatives continue to pressure for change, the systemic nature of these challenges remains a critical concern that demands sustained and comprehensive reform.