it was entrusted by the Decree but also promotes meetings, discussions and seminars at the national and international levels as well as formulating joint projects with educational centres on the teaching of human rights in Colombia as a contribution to counteracting the culture of violence. 16. The Office has, since its inception, dealt with and responded to a large number of complaints and requests from citizens requiring information from the State in connection with alleged violations of human rights. Constitutional reform 17. For reasons of an eminently pragmatic nature, the Government has proposed a constitutional reform designed to make the State more efficient and responsible, to equip it more adequately to fulfil its mission to maintain peace and law and order, to help the weak, to create opportunities for the middle classes and to combat poverty. Accordingly, the constitutional reform bears on two key aspects of democracy and of the State; citizens' rights and freedoms, and the organization and running of the State. In brief, the following paragraphs set out the Constitutional Reform Bill recently submitted to the National Congress (annex 2): Broad participation by citizens in the adoption of decisions affecting them. To achieve this, various special mechanisms are established, such as the referendum and the popular initiative, thereby allowing the population to approve or reject amendments to the Constitution and to participate in the drafting of laws. The introduction of new sections on the definition and protection of the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of Colombians. New rights are incorporated into the Constitution, existing rights are extended and special machinery is created to ensure that all of them are effectively applied. Measures rendering both civil servants and political parties responsible for and bound by their acts and omissions. The introduction of mechanisms to further constructive co-operation 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the activities of an office and the proposed constitutional reform in Colombia. The focus is on human rights, democracy, and the role of the State in protecting citizens. While there is no direct mention of economic development, industry, or transport, the text does touch on the theme of state responsibility and the protection of citizens' rights, which is a key aspect of the concept of human rights.

**Category**
Education, Humanitarian aid and relief, Culture