For half a century, Colombia has been stuck in a cycle of violence that has taken the lives of thousands of people. The deaths in this past week are unacceptable and they hurt us deeply. We can no longer continue on this path.

We deserve a different future, and that future depends on all of us; on recognizing the humanity in those who think differently; on understanding that they are not enemies; on feeling empathy for the pain of others; on seeking common ground; on using dialogue as the tool to solve problems. We have the power to break that cycle and transform the country.

Poverty, inequality, hunger, and insecurity are worsening by the hour. We must work for a better country for all, not for a few. A country at peace.