Government denounces the “instrumentalization” of children in Embera blockades at the entrance of the Ministry of Interior
The blockades that a group of indigenous people from the Embera community organized at the entrance of the Bancol and BIP buildings, in Bogotá, to prevent officials from the Ministry of the Interior from entering or leaving, starting at 9:30 in the morning of Wednesday, April 29, generated strong criticism from the national and district governments.
TL;DR
- Indigenous Embera protesters blocked access to Bancol and BIP buildings in Bogotá.
- The blockade prevented over 1,200 Ministry of the Interior officials from entering or leaving.
- Protesters withdrew from dialogue tables, demanding immediate relocation and refusing to return to UPI Florida.
- The government expressed concern over the alleged instrumentalization of minors in the protests.
- Officials stated that dialogue channels and offers of services have been consistently provided.
- The protest involved stone-throwing, and agents from the UNDMO were reportedly attacked.
- The government suggested the blockade could be considered kidnapping.
- Previous instances of Embera returning to their territories after receiving resources were mentioned, with a faction reportedly preventing checks on children's welfare.