Colombia: Urgent action required to guarantee the rights and safety of defenders, social leaders, and communities in the context of COVID – 19 pandemic

Washington, D.C. May 6, 2020.-  Over 100 civil society organizations requested Colombia’s National Protection Unit (UNP) to guarantee the rights of human rights, environmental, and  land defenders, social leaders and journalists and adopt all measures necessary to protect their lives and work during the COVID-19 crisis.

For many HRDs, the current social, economic, and health emergency combined with the  policies adopted by the Colombian government has increased their level of risk and vulnerability. In this regard, the letter flags 36 cases of concern and urges the Colombian government to guarantee the rights of social leaders, defenders, and at-risk communities in the context of this health crisis

you can access the full letter here.