Experts of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Welcome Colombia’s Recognition of Care as a Fundamental Right, Raise Questions on Murders of Human Rights[...]

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its review of the seventh periodic report of Colombia under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, with Committee Experts welcoming the State's legislative progress relating to the national care system, and raising questions on the murder of human rights defenders and addressing challenges in the education system.

A Committee Expert welcomed that there had been legislative progress relating to the national care system, particularly the recognition of care as a fundamental right.

Santiago Manuel Fiorio Vaesken, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, said there had been 1,488 murders of human rights defenders between 2016 and 2024. How many persons had been brought to justice for the killing of human rights defenders? Was there a legal framework on the protection of human rights defenders?

Laura-Maria Crăciunean-Tatu, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, said a 2024 report indicated persisting challenges in the field of education. How did the Government aim to address these challenges, particularly the quality of education, dropouts of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, high dropout rates in secondary education, and the quality of teaching, among others?

The delegation said the State party had implemented several measures to protect land and environmental human rights defenders, including ratification of the Escazú Agreement and the establishment of a body responsible for implementing the Agreement. The National Protection Unit was working with the Ombudsman and other bodies to implement protection mechanisms for human rights defenders in regions with high conflict levels.

The delegation said Colombia recognised education as a key fundamental right. Teacher training was vital in ensuring proper education. Around 8,000 centres had been established throughout the country to facilitate cultural and sport access in rural areas. A school food programme was in place and a school meals programme had been implemented during school holidays. Communities of African descent and indigenous peoples were a key focus. A free education policy called "I can study" had benefitted more than 9,000 students.

Introducing the report, Gustavo Gallón Giraldo, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said the State had achieved significant progress in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, approved in 2016. The total peace policy included territorial transformations that replaced illegal economies and strengthened the State's presence in conflict areas. Currently, eight processes were being carried out with armed actors aimed at territorial transformation, the reduction of violence, and citizen reintegration. Colombia had taken decisive steps in guaranteeing the right to land and an adequate standard of living. The State had acquired more than 600,000 hectares for the Land Fund and had redistributed 260,000 hectares to 74,000 peasant and ethnic families, in addition to formalising 1.7 million hectares of land.

In concluding remarks, Mr. Fiorio Vaesken thanked the delegation of Colombia for the constructive dialogue, and recognised the participation of those who had contributed to the process, including civil society. He wished Colombia success in implementing the outcomes of the dialogue.

In his concluding remarks, Mr. Giraldo thanked the Committee Experts for their work. Colombia had been confronting a human rights crisis for some time now, and the Government was committed in adopting the correct policies to overcome that crisis. The current Government's activities also aimed to highlight the importance of economic, social and cultural rights, which had previously been ignored.

The delegation of Colombia was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Equality; Ministry of Labour; Ministry of Culture, Arts and Knowledge; Ministry of Housing; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development; and the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Committee's seventy-eighth session is being held until 26 September 2025. All documents relating to the Committee's work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session's webpage. Webcasts of the meetings of the session can be found here, and meetings summaries can be found here.

The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Monday, 15 September to begin its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Chile (E/C.12/CHL/5).

Report

The Committee has before it the seventh periodic report of Colombia (E/C.12/COL/7).

Presentation of Report

GUSTAVO GALLÓN GIRALDO, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, said the promotion, protection and guarantee of the rights protected by the Covenant were a priority for Colombia. The State had achieved significant progress in the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement, approved in 2016. Some 50.44 billion United States dollars had been allocated - 36 per cent more than in the previous period - to strengthening the State's capacity to meet the 2016 commitments. The total peace policy included territorial transformations that replaced illegal economies and strengthened the State's presence in conflict areas.

Currently, eight processes were being carried out with armed actors aimed at territorial transformation, the reduction of violence, and citizen reintegration. The State party was concerned that murders of human rights defenders, especially environmental leaders, continued to occur, but there were no State officials involved in these murders. It would continue to work to prevent such murders.

Colombia had taken decisive steps in guaranteeing the right to land and an adequate standard of living. The State had acquired more than 600,000 hectares for the Land Fund and had redistributed 260,000 hectares to 74,000 peasant and ethnic families, in addition to formalising 1.7 million hectares of land. Progress was being made in implementing the policy to resolve rural conflicts, and in the constitutional recognition of peasants as subjects of special protection.

Labour reform in Colombia had strengthened protections for historically vulnerable populations, such as peasants, women, people with disabilities, victims of the armed conflict, and domestic workers. This reform incorporated measures with a gender focus against violence and discrimination, promoted equal pay, and reduced working hours. These provisions were complemented by the reform of the Labour Procedural Code to guarantee protection against forms of discrimination, pension reforms that expanded the modalities of coverage, and the ratification of International Labour Organization Conventions 190 and 156.

These advances were reflected in greater access to employment for traditionally excluded populations, as well as in the reduction of the gender wage gap from 12.6 per cent in 2019 to 7.6 per cent in 2024, thanks to the laws on pay equity and against violence and sexual harassment.

The coverage of the general social security system in health reached 99.3 per cent as of June 2025, incorporating more than 1.1 million Venezuelan migrants and prioritising pregnant women, early childhood, and victims of sexual violence. Through the national mental health policy 2025-2034, the State had committed to strengthening psychosocial care, social protection, and healthy work environments.

The State party had also adopted the national drug policy (2023-2033), which was informed by international human rights law and promoted decriminalisation of the possession and consumption of drugs. Public investment in risk and harm reduction projects had tripled, with 52,000 people benefitting from services and others included in methadone substitution programmes. Guidelines had been developed for community mental health and drug addiction centres.

The budget for preschool, primary and secondary education went from 45.3 billion United States dollars in 2022 to 63.1 billion in 2025. Investment in the school feeding programme had increased by 28 per cent, reaching coverage of 80.3 per cent. Some 97 per cent of students received free tuition, and a record enrolment of 2.5 million enrolled was achieved in 2024.

Between 2022 and 2024, Colombia achieved a sustained reduction in the multidimensional poverty index from 12.9 to 11.5 per cent at the national level, with improvements in urban areas and a faster decline in rural areas. Colombia had achieved one of the most significant reductions in the housing deficit in the region, going from 26.8 per cent in 2019 to 22.8 per cent in 2025.

The State had also made large, historic investments in the artistic training of children, in the democratisation and decentralisation of goods and services, and in the implementation of the five-year plan for cultural heritage and governance, which promoted native languages and different knowledge systems.

Colombia had made progress in implementing the Covenant. It had faced many grave human rights violations over its history and had many challenges ahead, but its resolve to address these was unstinting.

Questions by a Committee Expert

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, welcomed the participation of the high-level and multi-disciplinary delegation. Did the consultation process for the report include members of the legislature, the judiciary, and civil society, particularly human rights bodies? Was there a body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Committee's recommendations? What was the State party's position on acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Covenant?

What had the State party done in response to the 21 August attack involving a car bomb, and the incident involving the shooting down of a police helicopter? What difficulties had the State party faced in implementing the Peace Agreement of 2016 and ensuring security on its territory? The body responsible for redistributing land as part of the Peace Agreement had reportedly rejected 65 per cent of applications. What were the reasons for these rejections? Of the 34,000 return orders issued by judges, 56 per cent had not been processed. Why was this process so difficult?

The State party reportedly had limited control of certain areas where there were paramilitary organizations and drug cartels. What efforts had been made to increase the State's institutional presence in these areas? What measures were in place to bring about peace and begin negotiations with National Liberation Army? There had been 1,488 murders of human rights defenders between 2016 and 2024. How many persons had been brought to justice for the killing of human rights defenders? Was there a legal framework on the protection of human rights defenders?

Was training provided to judicial officials on economic, social and cultural rights and the Covenant? Was there a standard law prohibiting direct and indirect discrimination and a framework that ensured that vulnerable persons could lodge complaints?

What measures would the State party take to reduce high value-added tax rates and move to a more progressive and balanced tax system? Was the State party planning to increase the inheritance tax?

How effective was the State party's initiative identifying the human rights responsibilities of businesses in the mining, energy and agricultural sectors? What measures had the State party taken to ensure free, prior and informed consent for indigenous groups and people of African descent related to development projects? Were there mechanisms for obtaining compensation for violations of land rights?

What steps had been taken to reduce the 20 per cent gap between men and women in the labour participation rate? What policies were in place to reduce women's unemployment, which was five points higher than men's unemployment, and to support the employment of marginalised women?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said 473 signatories of the 2016 Peace Agreement had been murdered, demonstrating the challenge of protecting their lives. The Agreement included protection measures for signatories and the State party had pursued measures for dismantling criminal structures. An implementation unit had been set up for the Peace Agreement, which allowed for better oversight of funds invested in implementing the Agreement.

The Government had reversed the trend in denial of restoration of land. Some 72 per cent of applications for land restoration were accepted in 2024, a large increase from past years. The State party had delineated 107 indigenous reserves, increased the size of 83 reserves, and helped to set up 66 indigenous councils. Legislation implemented in 2024 promoted women's access to land.

The State party had implemented several measures to protect land and environmental human rights defenders, including ratification of the Escazú Agreement and the establishment of a body responsible for implementing the Agreement. The National Protection Unit was working with the Ombudsman and other bodies to implement protection mechanisms for human rights defenders in regions with high conflict levels.

The State party was setting up an international humanitarian law committee, which would provide guidance to Government institutions on upholding international humanitarian law. It had also developed a decree to strengthen State action on business and human rights. Some 160 million United States dollars had been allocated to support prior consultation on development projects, with 600 communities of people of African descent and 13,000 indigenous communities having been consulted thus far.

The Constitutional Court had ordered the State party to develop a plan for the protection of human rights defenders. There were 14 roundtables on safeguarding human rights defenders, and a comprehensive programme on the protection of women's rights defenders. There were 1,505 open cases prosecuting murders of human rights defenders, which involved 246 accused persons.

Colombia's law 2354 addressed violence and sexual harassment in the workplace. The State was working to reduce the wage gap and supporting parents to work through measures such as teleworking and workplace childcare services. The Constitution covered the prohibition of discrimination. There was a public anti-discrimination policy in place, which included measures to combat racism.

The Government was committed to promoting the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Covenant. It was also assessing the ratification of Optional Protocols to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Colombia's current Government had hosted nine official visits from international oversight mechanisms and was open to international scrutiny.

The State party had reached an agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, not the National Liberation Army. All Government bodies were working to promote a culture of peace and the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, said that between 2016 and 2022, more than 21 billion pesos had been lost in Colombia as a result of corruption, affecting 15 million persons. More than 1,000 acts of corruption had been documented in the national and regional press. How many corruption cases had been prosecuted in the last five years? What legal and administrative measures had been taken to combat corruption? In 2024, only 82 per cent of the social budget had been implemented. Why was this? How did the State party ensure that social expenditure was sufficient?

JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, said the tax on ultra-processed food was a good idea. Were the funds gained from this tax used for health measures? What measures were in place to prohibit conversion therapies and provide reparation to persons who had been subjected to such therapies? Were there any barriers to transgender persons changing identity documents? Obtaining a disability certificate was reportedly difficult. How did the State party ensure that persons with disabilities obtained these certificates?

MICHAEL WINDFUHR, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked how the State party was addressing climate change. Were nationally determined contributions being revised?

Other Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on the challenges that remained in implementing monitoring and reparation mechanisms related to business and human rights; and plans to strengthen the national care system.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Colombia had a national climate adaptation plan, which included measures strengthening the response to climate change induced natural disasters. The State party had set up monitoring bodies to ensure a more just and inclusive climate response. There was an information system on climate change which coordinated State and private agencies working to reduce emissions, and a financial protection strategy had been developed to address environmental disasters. Colombia was a flag-bearer for the Diversity Convention which mobilised more than 500,000 people from civil society to respond to climate change.

The State recognised the intrinsic violence in conversion therapies. A bill banning such therapies had unfortunately not passed through congress due to a lack of support. However, the comprehensive trans law of 2015 regulated sex realignments and related name changes. The Government was in the process of including trans and non-binary status on identification papers.

There were structural weaknesses in the State's tax system. There needed to be increased external oversight of the tax system and of business activities, particularly activities that affected rural and indigenous communities. A law presented to Parliament in August this year sought to establish a justice mechanism that would implement administrative sanctions and fines for human rights violations by businesses. The mechanism would increase access to justice and reparations for victimised communities and increase the accountability of businesses.

The State party had committed to establishing a body to monitor and regulate the implementation of international recommendations.

Questions by a Committee Expert

MICHAEL WINDFUHR, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, said the Committee welcomed Colombia's efforts to strengthen employment rights, but was concerned that the armed conflict threatened the enjoyment of these rights, fostering exploitative labour conditions and limiting trade union activities. How was the State party working to ensure employment rights in this context?

Some 56 per cent of the Colombian workforce was employed informally, with the rate exceeding 80 per cent in rural areas. What measures had the State party taken to support access to formal work for vulnerable groups in rural areas? How was the State party working to address forced labour? The Committee welcomed the State party's efforts to combat child labour, but there were reports that armed groups continued to use children in combat, labour, and for sexual exploitation. How was the State party preventing this?

The Committee welcomed measures to advance labour market inclusion of persons with disabilities. However, only 2.5 per cent of persons with disabilities were formally employed. What progress had been made in improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities, particularly in rural areas and for marginalised subgroups?

The Committee was also concerned about the prevalence of occupational segregation. How was the State party promoting women's access to a diverse range of jobs? The Committee was concerned about gender-based violence against women, particularly marginalised women, in the workplace. How was this being addressed? Many women were employed informally. What measures were in place to strengthen labour protections in the informal sector, formalise the work of domestic workers, and ensure appropriate reimbursement?

The Committee welcomed structural reforms of the pension system to improve accessibility for older persons and persons with disabilities. It was concerned, however, about the lack of coverage of marginalised groups by the pension system. How was this being addressed?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said that the State party's labour reforms had made progress. Colombia had stepped up the oversight of fossil fuel and mining companies, and the President had decided to increase the number of labour inspectors by 1,000.

The State party was engaging in activities promoting the formalisation of the informal economy. Women working as "community mothers" received contracts from the public sector. Labour reform efforts also included measures promoting wage parity. Colombia sought to ensure that domestic workers were provided with formal contracts with guarantees.

A prevention and protection system had been put in place related to workplace sexual harassment, which included sanctions for employers who facilitated such harassment. Colombia had also ratified International Labour Organization Convention 190, which prohibited workplace discrimination.

The State party was working with private sector trade unions and local public authorities to develop a protocol for collective bargaining. Trade union agreements had been settled in the public sector. There were punitive measures in place for companies that violated workers' rights.

The Ministry of Labour had a special monitoring system in place on child labour, and the Inspector General's Office was implementing measures to discourage child labour. Between 2019 and 2025, 8,900 formerly recruited children were included in specialised support programmes.

The executive and the legislature were involved in promoting agrarian reform processes. Rural women were represented in special agrarian courts and justice bodies. The Peasant Affairs Committee had been set up to spearhead agrarian reform efforts for the benefit of this population.

Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

MICHAEL WINDFUHR, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked how the State party was working to better implement its framework for business and human rights in the mining and agricultural sectors? Colombia was a country of origin, transport and destination for human trafficking, particularly affecting marginalised groups. How did the State party ensure adequate identification and protection for victims of labour and sexual trafficking?

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked about efforts to implement the national crop substitution programme. How did this programme prevent illegal land usage and support rural development? How was the State party dealing with discrimination against persons working in the sex industry? Was it considering a normative framework to regulate sex work? How was the State supporting sex workers to access social security and labour protection?

Another Committee Expert asked about measures that would be implemented to support trade unions to operate legally and safely.

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said achieving pension reform was a significant challenge for the State. Some three million adults were currently not in the social security system; future reforms would ensure their inclusion. Mechanisms were in place to protect indigenous peoples from abuse by the mining sector and other industrial businesses. There were processes underway to regulate and formalise sex work, including work on digital platforms.

The Peace Agreement included a mechanism for substituting illegal crops and promoting the legitimate use of cocoa leaf crops. The Government had a goal of converting over 22,000 hectares of agricultural land with illegal crops. In 2024, there had been 8.1 per cent growth in the agricultural sector. Profits in the agricultural sector allowed the State party to bolster efforts to tackle illegal crops.

Questions by a Committee Expert

JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, said multidimensional poverty had decreased between 2023 and 2024, but the level remained high, particularly in rural areas, which had a poverty rate of 24 per cent, three times higher than in urban areas. What measures were in place to reduce poverty and close gaps between urban and rural areas? The food insecurity rate in rural areas was at 34 per cent in 2024, an increase from 2023. How was the State party promoting food sovereignty and strengthening rural indigenous agriculture? What results had been achieved by measures to discourage the consumption of ultra processed foods?

The housing shortage had dropped between 2019 and 2024, but there was a large gap in access to housing between urban and rural areas. How was the State party ensuring access to habitable housing in rural areas, particularly for persons with disabilities? What were the results of the water and sanitation programme for rural areas? How was the State monitoring and managing the effects of extractive activities on water sources? Some 12,000 families had been excluded from the crop substitution programme. Why was this?

Large sections of the population could not access primary health care. What measures were in place to ensure access to health care for vulnerable populations and in rural areas, and strengthen oversight of the health sector? How was the State party working to eliminate barriers to health for migrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons? What measures were in place to address barriers to accessing abortions and sexual and reproductive health care?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Colombia's approach to development stemmed from the implementation of the Peace Agreement. The development plan focused on peace for Colombia. This was the State's roadmap to closing historic gaps and achieving social, economic and cultural gains.

The Peace Agreement recognised that corruption undermined public confidence and contributed to bringing about inequality. For this reason, the State had been promoting social oversight mechanisms as part of the implementation of the Agreement. Peace was a fundamental goal. There was an implementation framework and the commitments within the Agreement were being constantly monitored. There had been criminal proceedings related to contract cases for health, infrastructure and education. A strategy called "Commitment for Colombia" had been adopted to involve civil society organizations in oversight activities. Combatting corruption in Colombia involved a far-reaching process with multiple stakeholders.

Colombia aimed to do away with any socio-economic gaps and weaknesses. The current Government had changed the process whereby certain resources were targeted at certain group and political priorities. Now the Government had paved the way for new equal opportunities throughout the country. A new law put in place affirmative action for rural women, such as fishers and farm owners, including measures relating to land.

There was a central register for persons with disabilities in the workplace. Progress had been made as a result of a "solidarity pillar" being introduced into the pension system, which covered persons with disabilities, as well as their carers.

Colombia's national strategy to combat trafficking was still operational until 2025, and the State was working to formulate another strategy. There were pillars on investigations and prosecutions, as well as care for victims. Colombia had an agreement with the United States focusing on child protection. A protocol had been implemented to identify and protect victims of child labour exploitation.

The State had a goal to establish a rural and agrarian court system, to ensure the rights of rural inhabitants in Colombia. The land reform system was now accessible for international organizations and civil society. Land distribution was key to reducing multidimensional poverty and closing the rural gap. There were more than 1 million hectares which had been recognised as belonging to ethnic and indigenous peoples. Around 14.1 million hectares were producing 70 per cent of the food that the country consumed. In 2025, there had been a 4.7 per cent drop in food prices, which was a real achievement.

Between 2024 and 2025, there was a drop from 10 to 8 points in the child mortality rate in the region's most affected area, demonstrating the State's accelerated approach to reducing malnutrition in under-fives. Around 26 billion United States dollars had been invested in core food needs, bolstered by health professionals and food experts in targeted areas.

Work had been done on a scheme of monetary transfers to alleviate households in extreme poverty to moderate poverty. A progressive tax reform approved in 2022 abolished regressive tax benefits.

A new programme had been established to foster solutions for rural communities to housing. A range of solutions had been created to ensure a right to adequate housing in rural and urban areas. Four decrees had been issued by the Government incorporating the principles of adequate housing, and 8.9 billion United States dollars had been invested in total in this area. A policy had been established which improved the quality of water and reduced water loss. Minimum quantities were regulated across households and the Colombian Government had recognised a minimum limit of 50 litres per day. A water and housing programme ensured the recognition of water as a shared commodity. Ninety per cent of households now had access to drinking water, and the State would continue to work on this.

A mechanism had been developed which brought together national and local agencies to ensure the participation of the Wayuu indigenous people. Environmental licensing processes now incorporated environmental assessment. A plan was in place for water use in La Guajira that ensured that communities were able to be fully involved. Hundreds of millions of dollars had been invested in this regard.

Questions by Committee Experts

JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked if there was disaggregated information on child poverty? Could information regarding the implementation of the national mental health policy be provided? What measures had been adopted to confront high rates of mental health problems in indigenous and rural communities. There were high rates of suicide in areas affected by armed conflict; could more information be provided? What strategies had been adopted to move individuals out of institutions, particularly those with psychosocial disabilities, and to increase community services for them? The Committee was delighted to hear that the drugs policy was drawing from the universal human rights system. Did the State plan to establish a framework to guarantee harm reduction services throughout the country? What measures were being adopted to protect, ensure and promote the sowing of indigenous seeds?

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, said there was an urgent situation which occurred yesterday morning in Colombia where a paramilitary defence group issued a threat against a feminist organization for their work to combat sexual violence in the conflict. Had the State reacted to this threat? What action had been taken to protect the members of this non-governmental organization, as well as others working to protect human rights? What actions was the State taking to protect women, particularly in the context of the armed conflict? What indicators were used to assess multidimensional poverty?

A Committee Expert welcomed that there had been legislative progress relating to the national care system, particularly the recognition of care as a fundamental right. Was there a register of parental leave? How were persons with disabilities included in the care system?

MICHAEL WINDFUHR, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked how business regulations were implemented in Colombia? What were the key issues pertaining to climate change where the State required international support?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said historic investment had been made into infrastructure, including hospitals, particularly those in rural and remote areas. The health budget was increased by 12.9 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The health reform was one of the most controversial issues in the country as it directly affected health provision services, which had focused more on gain than the provision of services. The Government was trying to change this situation. As of 2026, finance transfers would be increased for local authorities.

Work was being done within the agricultural sector on robust legislation which would address the whole programme relating to seeds, including traditional seeds. Public policy and resolutions had been used, including one relating to agri-environmental policies. A draft decree was underway which would grant authorisations for seeds and crops, and the use of preexisting plantations of cocoa leaves for scientific and industrial purposes. There needed to be free, prior and informed consultation of ethnic communities when appropriate.

Regarding the threat addressed to the non-governmental organization, the Government rejected this act and recognised that women defenders had a differentiated impact due to their work. A programme was being built to defend women leaders.

A public interest law included provisions for women who had committed crimes, enabling them to serve their sentences outside prisons under certain conditions. This went hand in hand with efforts being made to bring about more humanised policies.

Any persons without access to foodstuff were classified as living in extreme poverty.

Questions by a Committee Expert

LAURA-MARIA CRĂCIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, said a 2024 report indicated persisting challenges in the field of education. How did the Government aim to address these challenges, particularly the quality of education, dropout of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, high dropout rates in secondary education, and the quality of teaching, among others?

In 2024, a report made concrete recommendations to the Ministry of Education regarding the right to education. What was the value of these recommendations in the legal system? Were they generally followed and implemented?

The coverage of displaced students by the educational system had improved recently, particularly at primary school level. A land institution law recognised the right of victims to access education as a key right of reparation. However, the implementation of the law had been limited according to information received. What measures were envisaged to fully implement the rights of victims and the land restitution law?

Colombia received an impressive number of migrants, particularly children. Could data on these children be provided? How many were currently enrolled in Colombian schools? How did the State address the challenges they faced?

In the context of the ongoing internal armed conflict, the school infrastructure was impacted by armed groups and school attendance had become problematic due to security issues. What measures were in place to address the safety of children on their way to school and prevent infrastructure from being misused? The Committee would be interested in the statistical results of several plans mentioned by the delegation. What was the level of internet coverage in rural areas?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said Colombia was a plurinational State, which was significant in terms of driving policy creation. Major efforts were being made to widen the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The right of children to culture was guaranteed in schools. There were more than 500 artistic cultural organizations brought in by the Government to reach a diverse range of children, including those in vulnerable and remote territories affected by the armed conflict. The national decade for indigenous languages had investments of over 70 billion pesos, with a focus on protecting the cultures of indigenous peoples and their spiritual practices.

The State had been implementing binding actions around heritage protection, responding to demonstrations by indigenous peoples. This related in part to food, heritage, cooking and farming. It was not possible to construct a concept of peace without standing in solidarity with what the Palestinian people were currently experiencing today.

Colombia recognised education as a key fundamental right. Teacher training was vital in ensuring proper education. Around 8,000 centres had been established throughout the country to facilitate access to culture and sport in rural areas. A school food programme was in place and a school meals programme had been implemented during school holidays. Communities of African descent and indigenous peoples were a key focus. A free education policy called "I can study" had benefitted more than 9,000 students.

The Ombudsman was a high-ranking official and had begun to receive sufficient resources to become fully operational. Its recommendations were not formally binding, but they were respected and abided by State authorities.

Colombia recognised that children were actors with their own will, from birth. The Constitutional Court had established that children were subject to Constitutional protection. A national childhood policy (2018-2030) would help fully develop children and ensure they had equal opportunities. In December 2024, the Government presented a project on safe schools to ensure protection for education at all levels. The safe school's declaration enabled the State to strengthen national policies on education and child protection.

Colombia was firmly committed to the right to education for all persons in the territory, including the migrant population. A programme was being implemented which enabled a temporary protection status to be granted to Venezuelan migrants, to reduce xenophobia and discrimination and ensure they could eventually transfer to a regulatory migration status.

The higher education fund for victims offered educational grants for victims of the armed conflict, making it easier for them to access higher education. The Government had built alliances with educational institutions to broaden educational provisions and ensure it was sustainable over time.

Questions by Committee Experts

LAURA-MARIA CRĂCIUNEAN-TATU, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked if disaggregated statistics could be provided for the last five years for children in indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities remaining in the school system?

Another Committee Expert said according to reports, children and youth in Colombia with disabilities faced exclusion from the education system. What concrete actions would the Government take to ensure quality education for this group?

A Committee Expert said it was impressive that the report stated that peace, justice and education were the cornerstones of the State's policy, and that education accounted for the largest proportion of the budget.

JULIETA ROSSI, Committee Expert and Member of the Taskforce for Colombia, asked if indigenous peoples were being involved in the discussions relating to alternative uses for the cacao leaf?

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, said the levels of recruitment taking place was alarming. Were there any special policies to reintegrate children who had been forcibly recruited back into school? Were teachers' salaries competitive in Colombia? Was there a teacher's career plan?

Responses by the Delegation

The delegation said the national development plan aimed to ensure equality and fairness in accessing higher education, particularly for persons with disabilities. A minimum fund was established for 115 persons with disabilities, providing a complete subsidy for their higher education. The State had approved an indigenous-owned education system. Around 47 projects had been supported and 3,600 students had benefitted from this in the past year.

The Government had invested over one billion dollars in cultural rights, across the different municipalities and territories, and was working with 46 different groups of indigenous peoples to ensure the safeguarding of their languages and culture.

In Colombia, the special, rural education plan was in place to guide the planning of rural education. Significant progress had been made in several areas, including in reaching 10,400 children in the most remote parts of the country. However, significant challenges persisted in rural areas with armed conflict, which had led to an increase in dropout rates. This was a 13 per cent dropout rate in some conflict-affected areas compared to an average rate of six per cent across the country.

In January this year, dialogue had been opened with indigenous communities concerning the process of reclassification of the cacao leaf, with support from civil society and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In October, there would be a hearing at the World Health Organization which would hear from Colombia as a concerned State. It was hoped that representatives of indigenous peoples would attend.

A raft of actions had been implemented to prevent the recruitment of children to the armed forces. More than 80,000 teachers had seen an improvement in salary between 2022 and 2025.

Closing Remarks

SANTIAGO MANUEL FIORIO VAESKEN, Committee Expert and Leader of the Taskforce for Colombia, thanked the delegation of Colombia for the constructive dialogue, and recognised the participation of those who had contributed to the process, including civil society. He wished Colombia success in implementing the outcomes of the dialogue.

GUSTAVO GALLÓN GIRALDO, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee Experts for their work and their interest and depths of analysis into Colombia's context. Colombia had been confronting a human rights crisis for some time now, and the Government was committed to adopting the correct policies to overcome that crisis. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established in 2016, found that Colombia's society lacked trust and its civilian population was impacted by war. The Commission had provided several recommendations to combat these issues, which the State was committed to implementing. The current Government's activities also aimed to highlight the importance of economic, social and cultural rights, which had previously been ignored.

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