In a surprising twist, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have landed in Colombia for a four-day visit, stirring up a mix of intrigue and apprehension among the public.

This trip comes at a time when the South American nation is grappling with serious human rights issues, as highlighted by the latest report from Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Just hours before their arrival, the couple was seen warmly greeting Colombia’s Vice President, Francia Marquez, which has only intensified discussions about the timing and implications of their journey.

Colombia’s human rights landscape is anything but stable.

According to HRW’s 2024 World Report, the country faces persistent challenges, including ongoing abuses by armed groups, inadequate access to justice, and widespread poverty, particularly affecting indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

These systemic issues have compounded the struggles of marginalized populations, leading to what HRW classifies as significant human rights concerns throughout the nation.

The report also sheds light on President Gustavo Petro’s Total Peace strategy, which aims to reduce violence and human rights violations.

However, over the past year and a half, Petro has encountered difficulties in curbing the actions of armed groups, particularly in remote regions.

Despite the historic peace agreement reached in 2016 with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which ended decades of conflict, violence has re-emerged in new and alarming forms, jeopardizing the safety of civilians nationwide.

The decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to visit Colombia has ignited lively discussions across social media platforms.

Many critics have raised eyebrows at their choice to travel to a country with such pressing security concerns.

A user on X, Claire underscore C, captured the sentiment of many when she questioned, “Isn’t Colombia one of the most dangerous countries in the world?

Yet Harry and Meghan, who are so worried about their safety, willingly go there.

Make it make sense.”

Despite the criticisms, Vice President Marquez has extended a warm welcome to the royal couple, viewing their visit as a chance to highlight the resilience and aspirations of the Colombian people.

Before their arrival, Marquez emphasized the importance of the couple’s engagement with various leaders, youth, and women in Colombia, stating they would encounter individuals embodying the hopes and voices of communities striving for progress.

Marquez further articulated that the visit aims to build bridges and raise awareness about the global issue of cyberbullying, especially its impact on children.

As a prominent human rights activist and the first black vice president in Colombia’s history, Marquez has been a vocal advocate for addressing social inequalities and human rights abuses within the country.

During their stay, Harry and Meghan are expected to explore several key locations across Colombia.

Their itinerary includes a visit to San Basilio de Palenque, a historic town celebrated for its rich Afro-Colombian cultural heritage.

Nestled south of Cartagena, this vibrant community boasts a population of around 3,500 and is known for its unique traditions and historical significance.

Additionally, the couple plans to travel to Cali, a bustling city in the Colombian Pacific region.

In Cali, they will participate in a forum dedicated to empowering Afro women, aligning their efforts with Marquez’s mission to uplift marginalized communities and promote social justice.

This engagement reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges faced by these populations.

As the Sussexes continue their tour, their presence in Colombia remains a hot topic, illustrating the intricate connections between global celebrity, human rights advocacy, and the ongoing struggles within the nation.

While reactions to their visit range from enthusiastic support to skepticism, one thing is clear: their trip is shining a much-needed spotlight on Colombia’s efforts to navigate its complex human rights landscape.

The world watches closely as Harry and Meghan embark on this journey, curious to see how their presence might influence the dialogue surrounding human rights in Colombia.

With the couple’s celebrity status, their interactions could potentially amplify the voices of those advocating for change in a country facing significant challenges.

What remains to be seen is whether this visit will lead to tangible outcomes or simply serve as a momentary diversion in the ongoing discourse about Colombia’s future.