The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Women defenders of human and environmental rights

Analysis of violence and its impact in business contexts in Colombia

We would like to share this report from the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (in spanish)

“Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for those who defend human rights in the face of abusive business practices. These individuals lead vital efforts to expose exploitation and demand accountability, but they continue to face systematic attacks that seek to silence their voices and curb resistance. In particular, women human rights and environmental defenders face gender-based violence, ranging from sexual assault and physical violence to smear campaigns and attacks against their families. This violence, especially in the context of mining and extractive projects, highlights the urgent need to understand the dynamics, risks and gaps in protection that persist in the country.

This report responds to that need and proposes an analysis from a gender perspective, recognising that business activities have a differentiated impact on women defenders, especially those who sustain life in the territories despite the disproportionate burden of care resulting from the unequal distribution of gender roles.”

For this reason, OIDHACO insists on the need for the European Union and its member countries Switzerland, Norway and the UK to implement binding standards and mechanisms to monitor business activity and its impacts; mechanisms that must include the real participation of civil society.

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