The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Parliamentary question regarding European economic interests that may jeopardize human rights in Buenaventura

We would like to thank MEP Ana Miranda for her question, which highlights the risk that European investments in Buenaventura could jeopardize human rights. At Oidhaco, together with several of our member organizations, such as Peace Brigades International, we have been raising awareness about the situation in Buenaventura and the surrounding area.


Here is the full text of the question submitted on 17 February, which can be found on the European Parliament’s website at this link. Social organisations will be following up on the European Commission’s response.

European economic interests are undermining human rights in Buenaventura

Thanks to the PBI report ‘Who bears the cost?’, we have learned that in Buenaventura (Colombia), European companies operating in the port and logistics sector may be involved in serious human rights violations.

Buenaventura’s environmental wealth and strategic location have historically attracted foreign investment against a backdrop of intertwined licit and illicit economies, including illegal mining and drug trafficking. This increases the risks to collective rights and environmental sustainability, and fuels the ongoing human rights violations.

The impact on the local population is not limited to urban areas, but also affects rural municipalities, especially the territories belonging to the community councils of Málaga Bay and Naya River, where important initiatives are being put in place to preserve biodiversity and build territorial peace.

In view of this:

  1. Is the Commission aware of the situation in rural parts of Buenaventura, notably Málaga Bay and Naya River?
  2. What steps has the EU Delegation to Colombia taken, or will it take, to monitor the impact of European economic interests in the area, and to ensure respect for human and environmental rights?

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