Colombia: Anti-abortion activists to protest in urban centers nationwide April 30

Event

Several activist groups, including United for Life (Unidos por la Vida), plan to stage several anti-abortion protests in several urban centers throughout Colombia April 30. Demonstrators will gather to oppose the decriminalization of abortion. In the capital, Bogota, protesters will gather at Parque Nacional from 10:00 and march to Plaza Bolivar. Organizers have not confirmed the exact times and locations of the protests, but said that protesters will gather in several other cities, including Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Manizales, Medellin, and Pereira. Gatherings are likely near major government buildings and prominent parks.

Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor all large gatherings. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the vicinity of demonstrations. Clashes are possible if security forces seek to disperse protesters.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. 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.