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From Our Own Correspondent: No peace in Colombia's countryside

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13/08/2022 GMT

No peace in Colombia's countryside

BBC World Service - From Our Own Correspondent, No peace in Colombia's countryside

Children recruited to kill in Colombia, plus tales from Taiwan, Tunisia and Greenland.

Colombia’s criminal gangs preying on vulnerable children; plus the view from Taiwan, Tunisia’s judges on hunger strike and whale blubber on a Michelin-starred menu in Greenland.

Max Pearson introduces stories from Colombia, Taiwan, Tunisia and Greenland. 

Colombia’s new President, Gustavo Petro, has just begun his first term in office in a country that has seen years of civil war. In 2016, the guerrilla group known as FARC gave up their weapons in a peace deal. While there may be less violence now, dissidents and armed gangs have filled the void, with devastating consequences.  Katy Watson explains how in rural areas especially, vulnerable children are being tempted with cash to join gangs, where they’re forced to take part in torture and even murder.  

The recent furore over US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan was entirely predictable. The Beijing government has always insisted that the island is part of China’s national territory, but many Taiwanese people consider their self-ruled island to be a separate nation. Rupert Wingfield-Hayes reflects on how Taiwan's democracy has evolved and gained strength over recent decades. 

As Tunisia adopts a new constitution, many of the original Arab Spring protestors believe it’s an erosion of their hard-won democratic rights and freedoms.  The new framework – written by President Kais Saied - is seen by some as a power grab, giving him sweeping executive powers. But – as Anna Foster explains - there are others who feel the country’s dire economic situation requires a leader with a strong grip.  

Tim Ecott travels to Greenland to see how the country is focusing on tourism as a sustainable way to develop the economy, rather than exploiting the island’s minerals. He meets Greenland dogs, musk-oxen and visits a Michelin-starred restaurant serving whale blubber and wild ptarmigan. 

Producer: Sally Abrahams
Production Co-ordinator: Iona Hammond

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