Colombia: Constitutional concerns over firearm promotion

In Colombia, concerns have been raised regarding the constitutional implications of the President's communication and actions related to the promotion of firearm ownership.

Under Articles 22 and 223 of the Colombian Constitution, the state maintains an exclusive monopoly on the use of force. This principle dictates that the use of weapons and force is not discretionary but must be strictly oriented toward fulfilling constitutional purposes and protecting human rights, including the right to life. The principle of necessity requires that state actions do not restrict human rights more than is absolutely required to achieve legitimate security goals.