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Colombian indigenous communities mourn death of social leaders

COLOMBIAN indigenous communities were in mourning today after two social leaders from the Awa community were killed over the weekend.

Hector Ramiro Garcia and his son Arturo Garcia were found dead yesterday. Police confirmed that four others who were seriously wounded may be crucial to solving the case, although they have not released any more details.

The National Indigenous Organisation of Colombia released a statement expressing its concern over the escalating violence and demanded protection for indigenous communities.

The Ethnic Peace Commission condemned the killings, with 13 indigenous activists murdered in the past 10 days.

It stated: “We reject actions against Ricaurte Narino. In the face of the massacre this morning in your community, we demand guarantees for the life of our friends, leaders and territories.

“Extermination is escalating against indigenous peoples: in 10 days there have been 13 murders, two massacres, threats and attempted homicide … Is this the future for all the indigenous, President Ivan Duque?”

Data from the Colombian Defence Ministry showed 622 murders from January to October, which included 180 social leaders. Nobody has been brought to justice for the killings.

More than 400 social leaders have been killed since a peace agreement was struck between the government and the Farc, however violence has continued, particularly in rural areas of Colombia.

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