Colombia eases civilian firearm restrictions and carry permits

The Colombian government has announced a significant policy shift by easing long-standing restrictions on civilian firearm ownership and carry permits. This move ends a nationwide suspension of carry permits that had been in place since 2018.

Proponents of the decree argue that the change empowers law-abiding citizens to protect themselves against organized crime and drug trafficking, noting that criminals often obtain weapons through illicit channels regardless of legal restrictions. The administration stated that the measure aims to end a generalized prohibition rather than allowing indiscriminate carrying.

However, the decision has faced criticism from human rights organizations and victim advocacy groups. Opponents express concern that relaxing gun laws could exacerbate existing violence, increase the risk of accidental shootings, and reignite tensions in a country with a history of internal armed conflict.