Report: Colombia remains the most dangerous country for rights defenders

The dangerous situation for human rights defenders in Colombia was highlighted once again with the recent killing of Luis Oswaldo Yule Palco, a leader of a peasant rights group in rural Corinto, Cauca. Yule Palco became the 70th rights defender killed so far this year in Colombia, according to Indepaz.

Colombia has consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous countries for rights defenders, with 142 out of 300 recorded killings globally in 2023 happening in the country. Latin America as a region has been particularly perilous for rights defenders, surpassing war zones like Ukraine and authoritarian nations like Iran in terms of the number of killings.

The report by Frontline Defenders and HRD Memorial highlighted the most targeted types of defenders in Latin America, including indigenous rights, land rights, environmental rights, opponents of extractive industries, and women’s rights defenders. The most common violations against HRDs included death threats, physical attacks, surveillance, legal actions, and arbitrary arrests.

The challenging environment for rights defenders in Colombia is exacerbated by the lack of state control, conflicting armed actors, and the presence of multinational mining companies and extractivist projects. The blurring of lines between state authorities and non-state armed actors has created a dangerous situation for HRDs, who often find themselves caught in power struggles and labeled as military targets by various armed groups.

Yule Palco’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by rights defenders in Colombia. As the country continues to grapple with internal armed conflict and the presence of violent non-state actors, the safety of HRDs remains a pressing concern. The ongoing violence and threats against those who speak out for human rights underscore the urgent need for greater protection and support for rights defenders in Colombia and around the world.