One of the pillars of the Colombian government’s success in restoring confidence in the nation has been its policy of “Democratic Security.”  Ensuring public safety is one of the most important role a government can play.  For too many years, the citizens of Colombia had fallen victim to violence at the hands of guerrilla insurgents, drug cartels and paramilitary groups.  Establishing order and the rule of law – while strictly adhering to the principles of Colombia’s democratic institutions – has been the number one priority for the Uribe Administration.  The results of the last eight years prove that the policy of Democratic Security is working and providing the path to peace.

The success of Democratic Security is based on regaining territorial control from illegally armed groups; protecting ALL members of society from violence; fighting the scourge of narcotics trafficking; and institutionalizing transparency in government to fight impunity and protect human rights.

Regaining Territorial Control

• As recently as 2002, 168 municipalities in Colombia had no police presence.  In addition, more than 400 mayors could not safely work in their own cities and towns.  A resurgence in State control has reversed what was an intolerable situation.

Protecting ALL the Population

The policy of Democratic Security has produced dramatic results, with every indicator of violence in Colombia in steep decline over the past eight years.
• Terrorist acts are down 84% from 2002.
• Homicides have dropped 45 percent from 2002 through 2009 – the lowest homicide rate in 22 years.
• Kidnappings have dropped significantly, down 88% from 2002, also now at the lowest rate in 22 years.
• Between 2002 and 2009, internal displacement decreased by 60%.
• Today Colombia has a lower violent crime rate than many major U.S. cities.

Fighting Narcotics Trafficking

Fighting the forces behind Colombia’s illegal drug trade has been the top priority of the Colombian government for decades.  Colombia has sought to eradicate the source of drugs, while promoting crop alternatives and economic opportunities for the rural population.  The success of Colombia’s effort has been real, and tangible.  And, with the help of the United States – through programs such as Plan Colombia and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) – progress in the war on drugs has accelerated.

Through aerial spraying and manual eradication of coca crops, Colombia has significantly reduced the number of illegal drugs grown in Colombia. The effort has paid off and the proof is in the numbers.

• According to the United Nations, over the past 10 years, the number of coca crops grown in Colombia has decreased by 50 percent.
• The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Crime and Narcotics Center (CNC) issued a report in 2009 estimating that potential cocaine production in Colombia dropped 39 percent and cultivation dropped 29 percent between 2007 and 2008 alone.
• Interdiction efforts between 2002 and May 2009 resulted in the seizure of 1,245 tons of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $117 billion. 

Transparency and the Protection of Human Rights

Colombia is a country open to international scrutiny, and is committed to United Nations (UN) procedures and the Inter-American Human Rights System. Since 1997, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has been present in Colombia, as are 23 additional offices of the UN system, including agencies, funds and programs. In addition, a delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and an office of the International Labour Organization (ILO) also operate in Colombia. The country has also received 41 visits from Special or Convention-related procedures of UN, the Inter-American Human Rights System and the ILO.

Through a series of bold reforms, the Colombian government has transformed the country’s judicial and law enforcement institutions with the goal of reducing violence, ending impunity and protecting human rights.  Reforms have included the implementation of an accusatory penal system and dramatic budget and staffing increases for justice and law enforcement. The results have dramatically improved the speed of investigations and convictions.

The demobilization of more than 32,000 members of the former self defense groups and close to 20,000 more from other groups, has also contributed greatly to the reduction of violence and impunity, not only by reducing the number of violent actors in Colombia, but also because confessions by demobilized combatants have become an important source for solving thousands of crimes and providing restitution to victims. The High Counselor for Reintegration (HCR) has established programs to assist the demobilized. Between 2002 and 2009, 30,706 demobilized combatants attended training programs, including literacy, elementary, high school and university education courses. In addition, victims of violence have acquired a level of priority attention in the formulation of public policy and the state budget. In 2009, the Colombian government allocated $100 million to reparation, which benefited 26,300 people. In 2010, this amount will increase to $150 million and will benefit 39,000 people.

Through strong and effective leadership based on the Democratic Security policy, Colombia has made great strides to reclaim the nation and guarantee justice and rights for all citizens.