On March 28, 2025, Amazon Watch joined a powerful delegation of Colombian government officials, journalists, Indigenous organizations, and allies in the community of Lower Remanso, Putumayo, to mark the third anniversary of a horrific massacre carried out by the Colombian military. Our presence was part of a continued commitment to support the Kichwa community’s demands for truth, justice, and collective reparations.
The delegation included representatives from Colombia’s Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Equality, the National Land Agency, and Congressman Andrés Cancimance of Putumayo. Their participation signaled a measure of political will to address the community’s longstanding demands. Journalists also joined the visit, building on previous investigations into the massacre. Their coverage offers vivid accounts of the current situation:
- Survivors of Alto Remanso Massacre in Colombia Commemorate Their Dead, Despite Their Exile (El País, April 3, 2025)
- The wisdom that Panduro, the indigenous governor assassinated by the Army, took with him (Vorágine, April 8, 2025)
The community of Lower Remanso has spent the past three years pursuing accountability for the tragedy that occurred on March 28, 2023, when Colombian army soldiers opened fire on a group of celebrants, killing eleven people, including community leader Pablo Panduro. Since then, Kichwa leaders – especially women – have led the charge for justice. After the massacre, Yarley Ramirez assumed the role of gobernadora (governor), leading local and national efforts to demand an accurate account of what happened, criminal prosecution of those responsible, and meaningful reparations.
Amazon Watch has stood in solidarity with Lower Remanso since shortly after the massacre, supporting efforts by representative Indigenous organizations like APKAC and OPIAC. Our support has included hosting a delegation to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in Washington, DC, and providing solidarity funding through our Amazon Defenders Fund.
This year, Amazon Watch coordinated the anniversary delegation in close dialogue with Yarley, her successor Lucila Bastida, and allied organizations. We were honored to accompany the third annual commemoration of Pablo Panduro’s life and leadership.
Important Advances Toward Truth, Justice, and Reparations
- Accountability: Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía) has brought charges against 24 soldiers implicated in the massacre. The case is advancing in the civilian (not military) justice system, though higher-ranking officers who likely planned the operation have yet to face charges.
- Land Rights: The National Land Agency is finalizing a legal title for the Lower Remanso Reservation, covering approximately 16,800 hectares (41,513 acres) – a key demand for reparations.
- Community Protection: The National Protection Unit has approved collective protection measures to be implemented soon. These include radios for the Kichwa Indigenous Guard, solar panels, and capacity-building for community resilience.
Thanks to the courageous leadership of Indigenous women like Yarley and Lucila, and the continued pressure from Colombian and international allies, Lower Remanso is advancing its vision of justice and self-determination. But the path remains difficult.
Our recent visit deepened Amazon Watch’s commitment to walk alongside the Kichwa of Putumayo in their pursuit of justice, dignity, and rights. With your solidarity, we will continue to amplify their demands and support their journey.
