This paper aims to describe the expressions and trends in criminalization in Latin America, and to make recommendations to the EU and the United Nations on the basis of examples from emblematic cases in Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador and Colombia. The use of the Law and the administration of justice for the benefit of groups
According to studies by the London School of Economics “the two Agreementslack mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing Human Rights” The European Parliament has prioritised trade over human rights and sustainable development today in a vote that brings into force two agreements between the European Union and Central America, and Colombia and Peru. The agreements will
After more than 26 months in prison awaiting sentence, the renowned human rights defender David Ravelo Crespo has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison on charges of aggravated homicide. Today, on International Human Rights Day, as International NGOs and networks we would like to express our grave concerns regarding a series of
The government of President Santos has been pushing for a constitutional amendment that seeks to expand military criminal jurisdiction, that is about to be approved. As highlighted by eleven UN human rights experts on 22 October 2012, “should this reform be approved, it could seriously undermine the administration of justice for cases of alleged violations of human
Short document presenting the constitutional reform on transitional justice. The constitutional reform known as the ‘Legal Framework for Peace’ on transitional justice, adopted on June 19, 2012, includes the possibility of amnesty for human rights violations committed by the actors in the armed conflict (guerrillas, paramilitaries and state security forces), even in cases of crimes
Debate in the European Parliament on the inclusion of women in the current Colombian peace talks. Joint press release by Oidhaco and Grupo Sur. Thirteen years on since the signing of UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, a milestone for the recognition of women by the international community as essential actors for lasting
Ficha sobre la situación de defensoras y defensores. Con un particular enfoque en las personas que se movilizan a favor de la paz -y en especial la situación de los pueblos indígenas del Cauca, sindicalistas, reclamantes de tierras y los pueblos indígenas Se observa en Colombia un continuo aumento de los ataques en contra de
By international platforms and organizations Table of contents: -Cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and bodies -Armed conflict -Right to life, liberty and security of person -Administration of justice, including the struggle against impunity, and the Rule of Law -Freedom of expression, assembly, association and peaceful protest -Economic, social and cultural rights -Indigenous peoples and afro-descendent
European Policy on Colombia The 23 May 2008, in Paris and simultaneously to its general assembly, OIDHACO presented to the press its recommendations on Colombia for the Slovenian and French Presidencies of the European Union (EU). The 23 May 2008, in Paris and simultaneously to its general assembly, OIDHACO presented to the press its recommendations
Serious violations of the civilian population´s human rights and infractions of International Humanitarian Law, in confrontations between the FARC and the Colombian Army. Oidhaco supports the decision of the indigenous peoples of the Cauca department in the south-west of Colombia who, after suffering renewed serious human rights violations and infractions of IHL, have decided to
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.