The arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Colombia has stirred a pot of mixed reactions, raising eyebrows over the timing of their visit given the country’s ongoing human rights issues.
The couple’s four-day trip comes at a time when Colombia is grappling with significant challenges, as outlined by Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Their recent embrace with Vice President Francia Marquez has only fueled public concern about the implications of their presence in a nation facing such turmoil.
Colombia’s human rights landscape is far from stable.
According to HRW’s 2024 World Report, the country continues to struggle with persistent abuses by armed groups, limited access to justice, and widespread poverty, particularly affecting indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.
These systemic issues have exacerbated the plight of marginalized populations, leading HRW to highlight serious human rights concerns that remain unresolved.
President Gustavo Petro’s Total Peace strategy, aimed at reducing violence and human rights violations, has yielded mixed results since he took office a year and a half ago.
Despite the historic peace accord signed in 2016 with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), violence has resurfaced in new forms, threatening civilian safety across the nation.
The resurgence of violence has reached alarming levels, reminiscent of the pre-peace process era, complicating efforts to achieve lasting peace and justice.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to visit Colombia has ignited discussions on social media platforms, with many questioning the wisdom of their trip amid ongoing security concerns.
One user on X, Claire underscore C, voiced a sentiment echoed by many, asking, “Is Colombia not one of the most dangerous countries in the world?
Yet Harry and Meghan, who are so worried about their safety, willingly go there.
Make it make sense.”
Despite these apprehensions, Vice President Marquez has warmly welcomed the royal couple, viewing their visit as a chance to showcase Colombia’s resilience and aspirations.
Prior to their arrival, she emphasized the importance of their engagement with various Colombian leaders, youth, and women, stating that it would highlight the voices committed to progress within the country.
Marquez also pointed out that the visit serves a broader purpose, aiming to build bridges and raise awareness about global issues like cyberbullying and its impact on children.
As Colombia’s first black vice president and a dedicated human rights activist, she has been vocal about addressing social inequalities and advocating for human rights in her nation.
During their stay, Harry and Meghan are set to explore key locations across Colombia.
Their itinerary includes a trip to San Basilio de Palenque, a historic town in the Caribbean district known for its rich Afro-Colombian cultural heritage.
With a population of around 3,500, this town is located south of Cartagena, a popular tourist hotspot.
Additionally, the couple will make their way to Cali, a major city in the Colombian Pacific region.
In Cali, they are expected to participate in a forum focused on empowering Afro women, aligning their visit with Marquez’s efforts to uplift marginalized communities and promote social justice.
As the royal couple navigates through their tour, their presence in Colombia remains a hot topic of debate.
It reflects the intricate connections between global celebrity status, human rights advocacy, and the ongoing struggles facing the South American nation.
While some view their visit as an opportunity to draw attention to critical issues, others remain skeptical about the impact of their engagement.
In the end, the visit of Harry and Meghan to Colombia is likely to shine a light on the country’s efforts to address its challenging human rights landscape.
Whether their presence will lead to meaningful change or simply serve as a momentary distraction remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on the couple as they embark on this significant journey through Colombia’s vibrant yet tumultuous reality.
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