Bogota, April 15 (RHC)-- In Colombia, the persecution of former combatants of the ex-guerrilla group FARC-EP persists, even though they are returning to normal life, according to the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force political party.

The United Nations also pointed out the recent violence affecting Colombia, as members of the Peace Mission attended a meeting that discussed the latest attacks against the ex-FARC members inside the South American country. 

"I am especially concerned about the situation in the Putumayo department, including the situation of the social leaders, leaders of substitution of illicit crops and ex-combatants," the U.N. Mission said.

"On March 19, Marco Rivadeneira, a renowned social leader, was assassinated after being removed from a meeting that he was leading on efforts to substitute illicit crops in the municipality of Assisi Port.  Two weeks later, on April 8, social leader Yuri Quintero was threatened, allegedly by the same illegal group that murdered Rivadeneira. Another leader, Jani Silva, with who I met last October, continues to be the victim of continuous threats. The 27th of March, ex-combatant Juan Carlos Castillo, who lived in the former territorial training space and reincorporation of that municipality, he was found dead," they continued.

The U.N. Mission encouraged all parties to return to the peace agreement that was established several years ago.   Colombian Inspector General Fernando Carrillo urged the government to "guarantee the protection and integrity of former combatants.  The Office of the Representative in Colombia of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also called for "immediate protection" for the demobilized.  Also, it requested protection for "the communities that are suffering from the violent control of armed groups in the area."

Since the signing of the peace agreement in November 2016, more than 190 demobilized members of the former armed group have been killed.