Bogota
Colombia churches push for dialogue in the wake of renewed political violence
In Colombia, religious leaders are calling on politicians to tone down their rhetoric, as incidents of political violence have people on edge. Earlier this month, seven people were killed as rebels bombed police stations around the city of Cali. On June 7, a would-be assassin shot presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, who’s still recovering in the hospital.
Colombia starts ceasefire with nation’s oldest rebel group
A six-month ceasefire between the Colombian government and the rebel group known as the National Liberation Army began this month. Support for the truce, and ongoing peace talks, could depend on whether the group ceases attacks on civilians that include kidnappings and extortion.
‘We were treated as disposable beings’: Waste pickers in Colombia fought for their rights after 11 murders
The people who collect garbage for recycling organized among themselves to change how they are paid and how they are treated. Today, waste pickers are officially recognized as part of the municipal waste system.
In Colombia’s capital, the ‘purple patrol’ fights sexual harassment on crowded buses
Bogotá is trying to curb sexual harassment against women on public transportation systems. It’s trained more than 500 police officers as part of the purple patrol to respond to cases of gender-based violence. Female police officers also hand out leaflets with information about hotlines that women can call for assistance.
Thousands of passengers are stranded after Colombia’s Viva Air grounds flights
Thousands of passengers were stranded in airports in Colombia and several other Latin American countries this week following the collapse of the budget airline, Viva Air. It’s the latest airline company to fold amid decreasing passenger demand and higher oil prices.
