It seems circumstances are increasingly determined to hinder the goal of reporting more positively and optimistically on issues of interest to our communities.
Diplomacy plays a crucial role in building international relationships that foster unity and cooperation rather than division.
Now, it is an embarrassment to witness the recent situations of diplomatic confrontation between the United States and Colombia.
We have always emphasized that the migration issue is one of the most sensitive and urgently requires attention and solutions in today’s global order. We have also repeatedly stressed in El Hispano the need to address the humanitarian crisis persisting in the irregular flow and trafficking of migrants. Additionally, we have insisted on educating, properly informing, and preparing to face the changes that were already on the horizon.
Now, with what has occurred, a new condition of tension in diplomatic relations has been added, which not only exacerbates the problem but also strengthens controversy and division among those who support or oppose the new public policies to address the crisis.
Those who do not understand or care about the importance of diplomacy in fostering more peaceful relationships between nations—both economically and politically—ignore that a breakdown in diplomatic relations between two or more nations can generate an international conflict with significant social impact for all.
What the world needs now is more unity, not more opposing poles or endless controversies over power, where ultimately, the citizens at large suffer the consequences.
A simple definition of diplomacy describes it as an art and practice of building and maintaining relationships, negotiations, and agreements with tact and mutual respect. The lack of common sense and respect among leaders can be evidence of their inability to govern and their little interest in the true well-being of their countries.
This is what, as citizens of two nations—our homeland and the one that welcomes us—generates a feeling of indignation, shame, disappointment, and helplessness to contribute to a solution in a crisis where, once again, differences drive us further apart, and hope turns into uncertainty and fear.
There are protocols in diplomatic relations that should not be breached because they create an atmosphere of unease and pessimism.
The most concerning aspect is that amid everything happening, there are people—regardless of where they come from, how they think, whom they support, their status, or whether they have committed crimes. Every exchange of insults and attacks on social media between leaders is a trigger that can increase acts of hatred, stigmatization, and discrimination.
It is outrage and shame that we feel in the face of the inexplicable decisions of certain leaders who supposedly represent us and who did not timely address the crisis when their citizens turned to traffickers due to the lack of opportunities in their homeland. Being a good leader and defending sovereignty is more than drawing attention and going viral on social media with an image. Where was that leader when their citizens embarked on the risky journey fleeing the few possibilities for well-being in their country?
A good leader is one who defends the sovereignty of their homeland by providing their citizens with the best opportunities for a quality of life and a healthy, stable, secure, and harmonious coexistence. No more human trafficking—citizens from anywhere should not be commodified.
Omaira Martínez – Colombian Journalist
oma66co@gmail.com
Image: RevistaAbogacia
