According to the UN mission report at least 54 civilians have been killed since the protests began on April 28. | Photo: EFE

United Nations, July 2 (RHC)-- The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia has recognized that the demonstrations and protests in the context of the National Strike express an "unprecedented social unrest" in the South American country.

According to the UN mission report, at least 54 civilians have been killed and hundreds have been injured as a result of the repression of the demonstrations by the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD) since the beginning of the protests on April 28th. 

The United Nations also warned about the increase in murders against former combatants and social leaders, in their quarterly report covering the months of April, May and June.

According to data from the multilateral organization, in the last three months 49 human rights defenders and 16 ex-combatants were murdered, and at least 19 massacres were documented, ten of which are under investigation.

Another situation highlighted by the UN was that of forced displacement, which according to UN officials has affected communities, social leaders and former combatants in 25 municipalities in the departments of Antioquia, Cauca, Caquetá, Guaviare, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Putumayo and Valle del Cauca.

The UN highlighted that despite the progress made in the implementation of the Peace Accords, there are still major shortcomings, especially in the economic guarantees for those who have laid down their arms.

The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, indicated that non-violence, dialogue and consensus are the path that will allow Colombia to advance towards reconciliation and the restoration of its social fabric.

The report of the UN Verification Mission on the situation in Colombia, which covers the period from March 27 to June 25, 2021, will be formally delivered to the UN Security Council on July 13th.