Crimes under international law and human rights violations in the context of the ongoing armed conflict increased in the departments of Chocó, Cauca, Valle del Cauca, Nariño and Norte de Santander. Eight children were killed by the security forces targeting the armed groups the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) in Chocó, Guaviare, and Caquetá departments. Killings of former FARC-EP combatants increased. At least 100,000 people were forcibly displaced or confined as a result of the ongoing conflict, particularly affecting the rights of Indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants. In the context of the National Strike, there were numerous reports of excessive use of force by the security forces against peaceful protesters, particularly in Cali. Police arbitrarily detained and tortured protesters and there were reports of sexual and gender-based violence against women and LGBTI people. At least 100 people sustained eye trauma due to the unlawful and excessive use of less lethal weapons by members of the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD). Killings and threats against human rights defenders reached alarming levels.
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