Colombia: Unionized workers to strike and protest in urban centers nationwide Nov. 25

Event

The National Strike Committee (Comite Nacional de Paro, CNP) has called for nationwide protests in Colombia Nov. 25, to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Demonstrators will gather to demand policies to deter violence against women and draw attention to other political and social grievances. The organizers have not confirmed exact times and locations of the protests, but gatherings are likely near major government buildings and prominent parks. Protesters have commonly gathered at Bogota's Plaza Bolivar during previous similar protests.

Education sector unions supported by the CNP, including the Colombian Federation of Educators (Federacion Colombiana de Educadores, FECODE), will also hold a 24-hour nationwide strike to demand better working conditions Nov. 25.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all large gatherings. The actions will likely cause transport and business disruptions along protest routes. There is an elevated threat of violence at demonstrations, especially if security forces seek to disperse protesters. Similar previous demonstrations have ended in acts of vandalism and clashes with security forces.

Context

The CNP and multiple other organizations, as well as unaffiliated citizens, held numerous well-attended protests in Colombia from April to June with sporadic protests since then. The protests were in opposition to a tax reform bill, which was subsequently retracted by the national government; however, protests evolved to include multiple grievances. Violence during the protests left dozens of people dead. Hundreds of public transport units, government buildings, and private businesses were burned or vandalized during those demonstrations.

The Nov. 25 protests are unlikely to spark a new wave of national protests but may lead to some clashes and isolated acts of vandalism.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross any protest blockades. Monitor local media for updates on the status of roads as protest locations may not be announced in advance. Depart the area at the first sign of any confrontation. Plan accordingly for potential disruptions to ground travel, especially in departmental capital cities.