The Coronavirus Resource Centre at Johns Hopkins University reports more than 16 thousand known new COVID infections per day in Colombia in recent days, with a daily death toll of more than 400 people. These numbers can be expected to grow further. There is no possibility that the epidemic can be controlled under the present circumstances of oppression Colombia’s Constitution guarantees citizens the rights to Freedom of Expression (Article 20), of Assembly (Article 37), and of Association (Article 38). Violent, militarised suppression of peaceful protest is a violation of these rights. We urge you to call on your government to abide by the Constitution, stop the violence, and join hands with citizens in defeating COVID urgently, and enacting policies that promote people’s health, equality and social justice.