The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 10 February 2026

OIDHACO warns: the European list of “safe countries of origin” threatens the right to asylum and human rights

by

Brussels, February 10, 2026.

The International Office for Human Rights – Action Colombia (OIDHACO) expresses its deep concern about today’s decision by the European Parliament to vote in favor of the European Commission’s proposal to draw up a common list of “safe countries of origin.” This proposal is part of the reform of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum, together with the “safe third country” proposal, which could restrict the right to asylum and weaken the European Union’s commitment to fundamental rights.

“Considering certain countries as safe implies, de facto, denying many people the real possibility of seeking international protection. The European Union runs the risk of closing its doors to those fleeing violence and persecution,” said Vincent Vallies, spokesperson for OIDHACO.

Colombia cannot be considered a safe country

OIDHACO emphasizes that Colombia does not meet the conditions to be considered a safe country. In 2025, one human rights defender or social leader was murdered every two days (187 in total, of whom 27 were women). Colombia experienced 78 massacres this year alone, and so far in 2026, there have been 13 massacres. In 2025, the Ombudsman’s Office identified the existence of at least ten illegal armed groups, exercising control over 73% of the national territory. These figures reflect structural violence that continues to seriously affect civil society. “With the presence of illegal armed groups that control territories and decide people’s lives, with the murder of a social leader every two days, with high levels of recruitment, use, and exploitation of children and adolescents, how can the European Union consider Colombia a safe country?” asks Vincent Vallies.

Call to the European Union

OIDHACO urges the European Parliament, the Council, and the European Commission to establish migration policies that are truly based on the protection of human rights, and not just in rhetoric.

OIDHACO thanks all members of the European Parliament who have agreed to listen to the reality of the situation in the country and who have voted against this European regulation.

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.

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