http://dx.doi.org/10.14718/NovumJus.2021.15.1.1

Laura C. Gamarra-Amaya

Executive Editor

Novum Jus law journal, in its efforts to disseminate high quality socio-legal production, has invited researchers in all stages of their educational careers to share their progress in our publication; Likewise, contributions from international experts from Mexico, Brazil, and the United States helped achieve an understanding of problems, theoretical perspectives, and methodologies from across the globe. This is of vital importance, as the differences between rich and poor countries are highlighted during an epidemic and securing equal access to the protection of fundamental rights becomes a crucial effort from all academic and public sectors.

The issue we are presenting to our readers was the first to be completely edited during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. This brought along unique challenges, such as relying completely on videoconferencing and e-mail to stay afloat the editorial process. While this was challenging, the editors, with the aid of a spectacular team of student editorial assistants, produced an issue that again evidences the intersection of the legal and social world.

The article "The reminder of the determination of the essential content of fundamental rights in the scenario of the pandemic by the COVID 19, in the Colombian State" attempts to identify the legal dogma of fundamental rights in a critical manner, to approach their protection amid the pandemic. It highlights the importance of institutional mechanisms to defend and guarantee protections for people on society's margins. After all, the only way to ensure a society achieves the goal of equality is to empower those who remain disenfranchised.

The story of this disenfranchisement is told in the article "The Colombian Left: An Analysis of Electoral Behavior in the 21^st Century," through a chronological account of the different political parties that have risen in Colombia. This article tells the tale of a country deeply ingrained in an institutional crisis that has looked at the Lefts proposals to tackle present and future challenges.

Civilization, namely the depletion of natural resources through the building of mega structures, often means long-time stewards of the land are displaced, and native communities are unfairly impacted. Confronting injustices against indigenous communities also takes center stage in this current edition. From the topic of indigenous diplomacy to the role of women and their position of inequality in their environments, Novum Jus has stood with native communities across Latin America and other areas of the world where their rights are not being respected.

We are also happy to announce our inclusion in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), which cements our commitment to delivering a product free of any fees for our authors and readers. We welcome the year 2021 and hope to meet the challenges and opportunities it will bring.

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