Political Constitution of Colombia (1991)

The right of asylum is recognized within the limits provided by statute.

Any group of individuals may gather and demonstrate publicly and peacefully. An Act alone may establish in specific manner those cases in which the exercise of this right may be limited.

The right of free association for the promotion of various activities that individuals pursue in society is guaranteed.

Workers and employers have the right to form trade unions or associations without interference by the State. Their legal recognition shall occur by the simple registration of their constituent act.

The internal structure and functioning of trade unions and social or labor organizations shall be subject to the legal order and to democratic principles.

The cancellation or suspension of legal identity may only occur through legal means.

Trade union representatives are provided jurisdiction and other guarantees necessary for the performance of their administration.

Members of the police force do not have the right to form associations.

Any citizen has the right to participate in the establishment, exercise, and control of political power. To make this decree effective the citizen may:

Vote and be elected.

Participate in elections, plebiscites, referendums, popular consultations, and other forms of democratic participation.

Constitute parties, political movements, or groups without any limit whatsoever; freely participate in them and diffuse their ideas and programs.

Revoke the mandate of those elected in cases where it applies and in the form provided for by the Constitution and the statute.

Take initiatives in public bodies.

Undertake public measures in defense of the Constitution and the law.

Agree to undertake public functions and responsibilities, except for those Colombian citizens, native-born or naturalized, who hold dual citizenship. An Act shall spell out this exception and shall determine the cases where they apply.

The authorities shall guarantee the adequate and effective participation of women in the decision-making ranks of the public administration.

In all educational institutions, public or private, the study of the Constitution and civics shall be mandatory. In this way, democratic practices for the teaching of principles and values of citizen participation shall be promoted. The State shall publicize the Constitution.