Colombia: Students to hold demonstrations in multiple cities on August 21

Event

The National Union of Higher Education Students (UNESS) and other activist groups have announced their intention to stage demonstrations in cities across Colombia on Friday, August 21, in protest against recent murders of young people. Gatherings are reportedly planned in Cali, Ibague, Bogota, Bucaramanga, Barranquilla, and Medellin, with smaller demonstrations likely in other towns and cities throughout the country. The rally in Cali is expected to be held at Parque de las Banderas from 17:00 (local time). In Ibague, activists plan to gather at 14:00 for a march from the intersection of Avenida 37 and Carretera 5. Locations and timings for other demonstrations are yet to be formally announced.

Friday's demonstrations are expected to remain peaceful, but a heightened police presence and localized disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the gatherings.

Advice

Those in Colombia are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow additional travel time in city centres, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.