Colombia human rights defenders face 17% increase in attacks

A report by the Somos Defensores program reveals a 17% increase in attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia during the first half of the year, totaling 401 aggressions and 59 murders.

While the number of murders decreased from 78 in the same period of the previous year, other forms of violence rose significantly. Threats increased from 175 to 242 cases, and attacks rose by 68%. The report noted that 40% of these attacks occurred during the months of May and June, coinciding with the country's presidential election cycles.

The victims included 12 indigenous leaders and 39 community, rural, or communal leaders. Notable victims mentioned include Belarmino Guejía Dizú, a Nasa leader from Cauca; José Albino Cañas Ramírez from Caldas; Omaira Pancho Sanza from Cauca; and environmentalist Milton Cerquera.

Violence against female leaders saw a contrary trend to the overall murder rate, with 108 aggressions recorded, representing a 30% increase compared to the first half of the previous year. The departments of Antioquia, Cauca, and Valle del Cauca were identified as areas with high concentrations of killings.