On a bustling Thursday, the 10th of July, from the heart of Salitre Plaza shopping center, a wave of discontent swept through the residents, business owners, and traders of the area. Their concern stemmed from the looming possibility of relocating the Emberá community to the premises of the District Institute for Participation and Community Action (IDPAC) in Salitre neighborhood.
“In previous experiences, the proposed facilities do not meet adequate conditions for the dignified accommodation of this population,”
expressed the residents in a statement. They feared that similar processes in the past had negatively impacted their residential environment, especially affecting security, space utilization, and receiving limited institutional response.
Seeking a collaborative approach, they suggested forming a Community Representation Committee involving all stakeholders to
“initiate a dialogue with responsible entities.”
The primary goal being to ensure fundamental rights for the Emberá community by considering options like returning to their original territories with full guarantees or relocating to less densely populated areas such as Salitre.
Signed by Patricia Urrea Urrea, General Manager of CC (Shopping Center), alongside local entrepreneurs and inhabitants, a letter extended support to the Salitre community. It validated their legitimate concerns regarding the proposed relocation.
“As part of our social fabric,”
it read,
“we acknowledge the importance of creating spaces for interaction around this process and urge competent authorities to listen respectfully and attentively to their voices.”
The unrest escalated on Wednesday night when residents staged protests and blocked both lanes on Calle 26 expressing vehement opposition to relocating Emberá members to their vicinity. Threats loomed as they vowed to block this vital route leading towards El Dorado Airport if municipal authorities persisted with relocation plans.
The Emberá community has long established roots in Bogotá facing overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at La Rioja Comprehensive Protection Unit (UPI). These living conditions pose serious risks to their well-being prompting an urgent court order from Cundinamarca Administrative Tribunal on May 28th, 2025. The ruling mandated immediate relocation due to current circumstances jeopardizing lives within this indigenous group.
In light of these developments lies a complex interplay between urban planning needs and preserving cultural heritage while ensuring human dignity remains at its core – challenges that demand inclusive dialogues bridging diverse perspectives towards sustainable solutions.
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