Brussels, 7 May 2026. The International Office for Human Rights – Action Colombia (OIDHACO) welcomes the publication of the letter signed by MEPs from four political groups, addressed to the candidates in Colombia’s presidential election, in which the European Parliament reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to building a stable, lasting and inclusive peace in the country.
The International Office for Human Rights – Action on Colombia (OIDHACO) expresses its profound rejection and condemnation of the killing of María Ovidia Palechor, a Yanakuna Indigenous leader and human rights defender, and James Flor, a recognized peasant leader and victims’ representative, which occurred on 1 September in the district of La Pedregosa, municipality of
A report on a contentious agenda: an assessment of policies on business and human rights during Gustavo Petro’s administration.. This document examines what has changed, what has remained the same, and what challenges still lie ahead in moving from voluntary corporate action to effective legal obligations in the field of human rights. The document emphasises
The recent earthquake in Colombia has left thousands of people and communities facing severe hardship and urgent humanitarian needs. At OIDHACO, we join the call for solidarity and support the campaigns launched by Oxfam Colombia and SOLSOC to raise funds for the emergency response and to help the affected communities. Every donation helps to strengthen
The International Criminal Court (ICC) provides a fundamental safeguard for victims and is an essential tool in the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. Colombia continues to face serious human rights violations and challenges in guaranteeing victims’ rights; maintaining its commitment to international criminal justice is vital to safeguarding the progress made and
Following the arrival of a new government in Colombia, there is a risk of setbacks for the rights of women and LGBTIQ+ people. Let’s discuss how to guarantee and protect these rights. The event will feature interpretation between Spanish and French only.
OIDHACO is participating as a partner organisation in the International Meeting of Women Searchers and invites individuals, organisations and institutions committed to the defence of human rights and the fight against enforced disappearances to learn about the initiative and take part in this international forum. Enforced disappearances affect thousands of people worldwide. In the absence
At OIDHACO, we deeply mourn the passing of Father Javier Giraldo Moreno, an indispensable figure in the defense of human rights, the search for truth, and the fight against impunity in Colombia. For decades, Javier Giraldo stood in solidarity with communities and victims of serious human rights violations, tirelessly documenting and denouncing violence while always
As part of Pride Month, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) reiterated that Pride marches and other public expressions by LGBTIQ+ people constitute legitimate manifestations of freedom of expression, democratic participation and the defence of human rights, which must be protected by States. This call takes on particular significance in Colombia, where the 2026
As part of the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, OIDHACO spoke during the dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. Link to the full session OIDHACO also took the floor during the interactive dialogue with the
The EU Mission emphasised that the election day was transparent, well-organised and underpinned by robust democratic institutions. It noted that the process unfolded in an orderly manner, despite the polarised political climate, questions surrounding the electoral system and security challenges. The EU EOM emphasised that Colombia had once again demonstrated its institutional capacity to organise
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.