The Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, reversed its stance on Sunday regarding the acceptance of deported Colombians from the US.
This decision followed a standoff triggered by Colombia’s earlier refusal to allow US military deportation flights, which led to retaliatory sanctions from US President Donald Trump, including tariffs on Colombian goods.
In response to Trump’s 25 per cent "emergency tariffs" and additional measures, President Petro arranged for the presidential plane to ensure the "dignified return" of deported Colombians. According to a statement from the President's office, the government is committed to guaranteeing dignified treatment for its nationals.
"The Government of Colombia, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, has made the presidential aircraft available to facilitate the dignified return of deported Colombians. This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld. Under no circumstances will our fellow citizens be treated as stateless individuals," the statement emphasised.
Measures to ensure dignified treatment
To address the treatment of deported Colombians, the government has established a dedicated team through a Unified Command Post (PMU) on migration.
This team includes representatives from the Defense Ministry, the People's Office, the Chancellor's Office, and the Presidency. Its primary goal is to create protocols ensuring dignified treatment during deportation processes while respecting human rights.
The Colombian government also confirmed ongoing discussions with the US to establish agreements aimed at guaranteeing minimum dignity for deported individuals.
"Active conversations are underway with the US government to seek agreements that ensure respect and dignified treatment for deported Colombians during these processes," the statement added.
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Initial standoff and tariff fallout
The U-turn follows a tense standoff that began when Colombia rejected two US military flights carrying deported individuals. President Petro criticized the US for failing to treat Colombian migrants with dignity and announced retaliatory measures, including a 25% tariff increase on US imports.
In response, Trump announced sweeping sanctions against Colombia, including the 25% tariff on Colombian goods, a travel ban for Colombian citizens, and the revocation of visas for Colombian officials and their allies.
Trump and Petro exchanged barbs on social media, with Petro accusing Trump of criminalizing Colombian migrants. Petro initially refused to accept deportation flights, but mounting economic pressure from the US sanctions led to Colombia’s policy shift.
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Commitment to migrant rights
Despite the reversal, the Colombian government remains committed to advocating for humane and fair migration solutions. The statement reaffirmed Colombia's dedication to protecting its citizens and leading efforts for regional and international cooperation on migration challenges.
The government emphasised that while it aims to cooperate with the US, it will prioritise the dignity and rights of deported Colombians, ensuring that their treatment aligns with international standards.
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