Political Constitution of Colombia (1991)

The quality of being Colombian enhances all members of the national community. Everyone has the duty to exalt and dignify it. The exercise of the rights and liberties recognized in this Constitution implies responsibilities.

Every individual is obliged to obey the Constitution and the laws.

The following are duties of the individual and of the citizen:

To respect others’ rights and not to abuse one’s own;

To strive in accordance with the principle of social solidarity, responding with humanitarian actions in the face of situations that endanger the life or the health of individuals;

To respect and support the democratic authorities legitimately constituted to maintain national independence and integrity;

To defend and propagate human rights as the foundation of peaceful coexistence;

To participate in the country’s political, civic, and community life;

To strive toward achieving and maintaining peace;

To collaborate toward the good functioning of the administration of justice;

To protect the country’s cultural and natural resources and to keep watch that a healthy environment is being preserved;

To contribute to the financing of the State’s expenditures and investments within the principles of justice and equity.