International
Court blames Colombian State for lack of protection of social leaders
December 13 |
The Constitutional Court of Colombia, faced with the alarming increase of crimes against social leaders in the South American country, declared on Tuesday the “unconstitutional state of affairs”.
According to the court, the violation of the rights of social leaders is “persistent, serious and widespread” and the institutional capacity of the Colombian State does not guarantee the protection of this population.
In this way, the Court’s decision responds to a tutela action filed by 20 leaders and human rights defenders, who claim the constitutional protection of their right to defend their guarantees.
The decision, in addition to exposing the individual violations in concrete cases, recognizes the reasons why the life and personal integrity of the social leaders is at risk.
It presented the following list: threats and attacks continue, protection schemes do not have a differential approach to gender, ethnic, racial, cultural or territorial issues, protection measures, in some cases, are not sufficient to protect their lives and there are no policies to prevent the systematic stigmatization of which they are victims.
In this sense, the social leaders had requested that “the Attorney General’s Office adopt the necessary measures to give priority in a prompt, effective and adequate manner to the investigations related to threats against the population of leaders and human rights defenders”.
According to the Constitutional Court, the causes of the violation are not completely related to the absence of instruments or instances for the protection of the rights whose violation has been identified.
However, it also made it clear that “the lack of a plan articulated in a clear and precise instrument has contributed to the infringement of rights. In addition, there are serious deficiencies in the organization of available human and material resources, as well as probably insufficient budgetary allocations”.
The Court warned that the violation of the rights of social leaders in Colombia “may be due to the lack of institutional will to dialogue and interact jointly, and requires the authorities to make an effort to adjust their own behavior. In the opinion of the high court, this could contribute to address the structural flaws detected.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
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