In Colombia, President Ivan Duque has promised an investigation into a death threat made against an 11 year old. Francisco Vera is just a sixth grader, but he has been on the rise to fame as an environmental activist. He has been compared to Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, since both have begun movements in their countries to push for policies that will combat climate change. Recently, Vera posted a video calling on policy makers and the president to increase internet access for students studying from home. After the video was posted, on January 15 a death threat was posted on twitter under a fake account.
In Colombia, death threats carry a lot of weight. Many politicians and other community leaders have received death threats and then later been victims of murder. Francisco Vera has received a lot of hate and has even been called an instrument used by leftist politicians to manipulate constituents, but threats haven’t stopped him from being an activist. By using social media, Vera may be able to reach more people throughout the region to push for environmentally friendly policies. By using petitions, he can put pressure on lawmakers to make change as well as recruit more activists.
Francisco seems to have more liberal ideals regarding climate change policies. Like most other environmental activists, he is focused on the long term benefit for everyone. He feels its his responsibility as part of the younger generation to ensure the safety of our futures, even if that means sacrificing short term economic gains. Even the U.N. high commissioner of human rights has extended her congratulations to Vera on his activism and work towards fighting climate change.