Colombia Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Antisemitism and Protecting Religious Freedom

Colombia has reaffirmed its commitment to combating antisemitism and protecting religious freedom, a position reiterated during talks between Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar and Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism.

Freedom of religion and worship is a fundamental right enshrined in Colombia’s Constitution. The Government is committed to ensuring that all people can profess, practise and express their beliefs freely and without fear of discrimination, persecution or violence. Colombia also reiterates its adherence to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and rejects acts or rhetoric that promote hatred against Jewish communities, as well as all manifestations of religious intolerance. Protecting religious freedom extends to every faith and religious community, without distinction.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will strengthen interfaith dialogue, promote measures to protect Colombia’s Jewish community, and deepen international cooperation to share experience and best practices in preventing and combating antisemitism and all forms of religious intolerance. Respect for human dignity, freedom of religion and peaceful coexistence remain fundamental principles of Colombia’s foreign policy and of its commitment to a democratic, pluralistic society that respects human rights.