The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 9 December 2025

Colombian platforms present ‘The Challenge of Change’ in Brussels

by

The CCEEU (Colombia-Europe-United States Coordination), the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development, and the Alliance of Social and Related Organisations for International Cooperation for Peace and Democracy in Colombia are presenting the current challenges in human rights, peace and corporate responsibility in Brussels and presenting the report ‘The Challenge of Change’ on the third year of the government of Francia Márquez and Gustavo Petro.

Oidhaco organized meetings with European Union institutions to present an updated assessment of the human rights situation and the progress of the Peace Agreement’s implementation. Through meetings with the European External Action Service, permanent representations of states in the EU, various groups in the European Parliament, civil society organizations, and other institutions, the delegates shared observations gathered in the territories and priorities for strengthening cooperation with the EU.

The meetings with MEPs and European officials left several avenues open for follow-up, including the submission of parliamentary questions and the possibility of promoting joint initiatives to keep the situation in Colombia visible on the European agenda.

In addition to institutional meetings, the delegation participated in an event held at the European Parliament to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the signing of the Peace Agreement. The event brought together signatories to the agreement, such as Pastor Alape; representatives of the Colombian Government, Alejandra Miller; the European Union’s Special Envoy for Peace in Colombia, Adrianus Koetsenruijter; Orlando Bernal, a lawyer specialising in transitional justice; and Laura Fonseca, the delegate for social platforms. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress and challenges of the peace process and reaffirmed Europe’s interest in supporting its implementation.

Our solidarity is universal.

We are deeply concerned about all victims of armed conflict, repression and violence around the world — from Sudan to Syria, including the persecution of the Rohingya and so many other crises that often receive less international attention than they deserve. Each of these situations calls for solidarity, remembrance, justice and action.

However, we have decided to specifically highlight the message ‘Stop Genocide in Palestine’ because what is happening in Palestine represents not only a human tragedy of enormous magnitude, but also a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and to the rules-based international system itself. The indifference and complicity of much of the international community in the face of the apartheid regime imposed by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people represent one of the greatest moral and political contradictions of our time.

The persistent violation of essential norms — such as the protection of the civilian population, the prohibition of collective punishment and respect for proportionality in the use of force — not only has devastating consequences for the Palestinian population, but also erodes the global mechanisms designed to limit the power of states and prevent abuses.

When these rules are repeatedly breached without any effective consequences, the framework that protects all populations in conflict situations, anywhere in the world, is weakened. Therefore, speaking out in this case does not mean ignoring other forms of suffering, but rather emphasising the urgency of defending an international order which, if it collapses, leaves everyone in a more vulnerable position.

Drawing attention to this situation is, therefore, an act consistent with the universal values we uphold: the protection of life, human dignity and respect for international law, without exception.

Oidhaco logo - Oficina Internacional de derechos Humanos - Acción Colombia
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.