Latest News

They Are Girls, Not Wives: Colombia Passes Law Banning Child Marriage

By The City Paper Staff - November 14, 2024

Colombia has passed a landmark law banning child marriage, making it illegal for anyone under 18 to wed, even with parental consent. The new legislation closes a 137-year-old legal loophole and aligns Colombia with other Latin American countries committed to protecting children’s rights.

Colombia’s JEP indicts ex-FARC commanders on War Crimes and Child Recruitment

By The City Paper Staff - November 13, 2024

Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) has indicted six former FARC commanders on war crimes charges, including child recruitment and severe abuses committed against minors during the internal conflict.

Under Secretary Rubio, U.S-Colombia relations take a hardline turn for Petro

By Richard Emblin - November 12, 2024

As the incoming U.S. Secretary of State, Senator Marco Rubio has been openly critical of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s foreign and domestic policies.

Colombia declares State of Emergency amid torrential rains and extreme weather

By The City Paper Staff - November 12, 2024

President Petro has declared a state of emergency across Colombia following relentless rainfall in the Pacific and Andean regions. Widespread flooding and landslides have displacement more than 90,000 people.

Bogotá braces for more powerful storms following flash flooding

By The City Paper Staff - November 7, 2024

Bogotá braces for more powerful storms after severe flooding on November 6. The storm caused major traffic disruptions, school closures, and overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems.

Colombia’s Petro faces isolation with Trump’s return to the White House

By Richard Emblin - November 6, 2024

Donald Trump’s return to power presents challenges for Colombia’s President Petro, whose policies on Israel and drug eradication may strain U.S.-Colombia relations, leading to potential political shifts ahead of 2026 elections

Colombian Peso faces volatility as U.S. Election outcome looms over markets

By The City Paper Staff - November 5, 2024

The Colombian peso is experiencing significant volatility as the U.S. presidential election unfolds, with the dollar climbing to 4,420 COP, reflecting heightened market uncertainty. In October, the peso dropped by 0.26%, outpacing declines in other Latin American currencies.

COP16 ends with urgent commitments to global conservation efforts

By Richard Emblin - November 1, 2024

COP16 concludes in Colombia, uniting global leaders and communities with a message of “Peace with Nature” and setting bold commitments for biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Bogotá and Rio de Janeiro street artists unite in graffiti collaboration

By The City Paper Staff - October 28, 2024

Artists from Bogotá and Rio de Janeiro unite to create a kilometer-long series of graffiti murals across both cities, blending community stories and artistic collaboration in a landmark project by Idartes.

Colombia and Costa Rica seal Biodiversity Pact as COP16 enters final week

By The City Paper Staff - October 28, 2024

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia and Costa Rica announced a landmark fund to protect the Chocó Biogeographic Region, a vital biodiversity corridor spanning Central and South America.

The Mavecuri range in the Colombian Amazon

COP16: Empowering Indigenous communities with AI for biodiversity

By Richard Emblin - October 26, 2024

As Indigenous leaders gather for the First International Summit on Ancestral Knowledge and Artificial Intelligence in Colombia, a groundbreaking dialogue is unfolding between ancestral wisdom and advanced technology, setting the stage for innovative conservation efforts.

COP16: Colombia presents ambitious Biodiversity Action Plan

By The City Paper Staff - October 25, 2024

Colombia unveiled its 2030 biodiversity action plan at COP16, aiming to protect 34% of its territory, boost its bioeconomy, and strengthen protections for environmental defenders and ecosystems.

Greening our Oceans: COP16 and a case for a Sustainable Shipping Industry

By Pradeep Kurukulasuriya - October 23, 2024

Redirecting private investments through derisking strategies is crucial to making the shipping industry’s green transition equitable for the Global South, writes Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of the UNCDF from COP16 in Cali, Colombia.

COP16: Colombia launches “Water Police” to safeguard rivers and water sources

By The City Paper Staff - October 22, 2024

At the COP16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia unveiled its new Water Police division, a specialized force tasked with safeguarding the country’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and endangered watersheds.

COP16 Biodiversity Summit opens in Cali with focus on “Peace with Nature”

By Richard Emblin - October 21, 2024

Colombia has officially opened the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, welcoming delegates from nearly 200 countries. The summit, running from October 20 to November 1, centers on the theme “Peace with Nature” and addresses critical issues such as biodiversity protection, climate action, and economic sustainability.

Bogotá heat wave and water crisis could lead to Disaster Declaration from Mayor Galán

By Richard Emblin - October 18, 2024

As Bogotá faces a water crisis with extreme heat, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán may be forced to declare a state of emergency for the Colombian capital. With reservoirs levels at critical lows, an extended drought could lead to water shortages during 2025.