UN warns of gangs Colombia

Gangs in Colombia, dozens of activists slain since an end to the protracted civil war in the country.

The Colombian government made peace with the FARC last year, after a civil war of more than fifty years. Marxist rebels agreed to lay down their arms and to continue as a political party. Then went according to the United Nations, other groups in the areas that have been abandoned by the FARC.

The armed gangs, who are often dealing with issues like drug trafficking, see activism as a threat. According to the UN last year certainly 59 human rights defenders killed. There were 45 in 2014.

Victims include community leaders who speak out against human rights violations. The Colombian Minister Juan Fernando Cristo (Home Affairs) said to fear that such practices can undermine the success of the peace agreement.