The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Parliamentary question on the situation of indigenous peoples in Colombia

We would like to thank MEP Leila Chaibi for her commitment to the human rights of indigenous peoples in Colombia. The indigenous guard is a mechanism for the protection of communities against the siege of armed actors in their territories.

Here is the full text of the question presented by the MEP on 30 April, which can be found on the website of the European Parliament at this link. From the social organisations we will be waiting and monitoring the response of the European Commission.

Murder of indigenous guards and ancestral wise men in Colombia

Representatives of the Nasa people recently denounced the willingness of armed actors to destabilise their social fabric and to take control of their territories, even referring to acts of ethnocide. According to their reports, since the 2016 peace agreement, 43 indigenous guards and 16 ancestral wise men have been killed, and many others are currently in danger. The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples stresses that the spiritual authorities and indigenous guards are central institutions for the physical and cultural survival of these communities, and that they face intimidation, threats and killings.

The Indigenous Guard of Cauca – Kiwe Thegnas (Defenders of Life and Territory) is a community movement of peaceful resistance, made up of women, men and children defending their territories. It has been recognised by international organisations and received the Front Line Defenders Award in 2020.

  1. In this context, does the European Union support the protection of indigenous peoples and their ancestral authorities?
  2. What specific action is it taking to protect these communities and their defence structures?
  3. Does it intend to give public support to the Indigenous Guard as an autonomous mechanism for indigenous peoples to ensure their protection?

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