November 22, 2024 – The United States has officially designated former Colombian General Mario Montoya Uribe for his role in serious human rights abuses during Colombia’s internal armed conflict. Credible evidence links Montoya Uribe to extrajudicial killings of civilians, who were later falsely reported as combat casualties.
As a consequence of this designation, Montoya Uribe and his immediate family members are now generally barred from entering the United States. This action underscores the U.S. commitment to holding individuals accountable for gross human rights violations.
The announcement coincides with the eighth anniversary of Colombia’s 2016 Peace Accord, an agreement that ended decades of armed conflict in the country. The U.S. has been a strong supporter of this accord and remains committed to helping Colombia achieve lasting peace that addresses the needs of victims and survivors.
The U.S. commended Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace for its efforts to deliver justice for conflict-related crimes. This legal body plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable and addressing the harm caused to victims during the conflict.
The designation was made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, as extended under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025.
This move reaffirms the U.S. stance on promoting justice and protecting human rights globally while standing in solidarity with the Colombian people in their pursuit of peace and accountability.