2024-09-01 23:17:29
This week, a court in Moscow, Russia, announced the arrest of two Colombian citizens, accused of acting as mercenaries in the conflict in Ukraine.
This case has sparked a debate about the participation of Colombians in armed conflicts abroad.and has prompted the Colombian government to take concrete measures to address this problem.
In response to this situation, the Minister of Defense, Iván Velásquez, presented to the Congress of the Republic a bill seeking the approval of the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. This legislative initiative is a crucial step in Colombia’s national security policy and commitment to peace and human rights.
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Minister Velásquez explained that the project aims to strengthen Colombia’s legal framework to combat mercenarism.a practice that has contributed to serious human rights violations and has put international security at risk in various armed conflicts. “This initiative responds to the Government’s commitment to the protection of life and peace, recognizing that mercenarism has been responsible for serious human rights violations and has endangered international security in multiple armed conflicts,” he said.
The bill includes several measures:
Classification of crimesThe project proposes the adoption of legislative measures to classify the recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries as crimes.
Prevention and protection: It will seek to prevent the preparation and execution of mercenary activities in Colombian territory, protecting citizens and safeguarding the reputation of the country’s Military Forces.
International cooperationColombia will commit to collaborating with other States in the investigation and prosecution of mercenary activities. This includes facilitating the extradition or prosecution of mercenaries present in Colombian territory and promoting the exchange of relevant information at a global level.
Protection of the Image of the Military ForcesBy establishing a solid legal framework against mercenarism, the image and reputation of retired Colombian military personnel will be protected, preventing them from being involved in armed conflicts or illegal activities abroad.
Minister Velásquez stressed the importance of the approval of this convention by Congress, highlighting that it will provide the country with an essential legal framework to combat mercenarism, strengthening national security and regional stability. “This legislation will not only prevent the participation of non-state actors in hostilities, but will also ensure respect for human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” he concluded.
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