The Colombian Government has announced plans to explore the possibility of requesting the repatriation of bodies of citizens who died as mercenaries in Ukraine and other regions, following Congress’s approval of a bill banning recruitment by mercenary organizations. The announcement was made on December 12 by Alexandra Gonzalez, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Defense.
Gonzalez stated that the government is considering repatriating the remains of Colombian nationals who have died during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that families have submitted requests for such assistance but lack a sufficient legal framework. “Now this convention gives us such an opportunity,” she said.
The bill ratifying the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries was approved by Congress on December 3 and will be sent to the Constitutional Court for verification before being signed by Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Gonzalez added that after nearly six months of discussion in plenary sessions, Colombia has successfully advanced this initiative. “The effort that the country is making should send a signal to the world: we are concerned about this phenomenon,” she emphasized.
Additionally, Alejandro Toro, a Colombian MP from the ruling Historical Pact coalition, reported on November 19 that approximately 20 Colombian mercenaries are killed each week in Ukraine. He stated that Colombia should not become an “exporter of death” but rather a nation that exports security and knowledge.
