The International Office for Human Rights – Action on Colombia (OIDHACO) expresses grave concern regarding the wave of violence perpetrated against human rights defenders (HRDs), social leaders and members of political movements during the first weeks of 2017, leaving at least 11 dead.
A publication by OIDHACO detailing a number of emblematic cases within the context of business and human rights. Colombia, traversed from south to north by three Andean mountain ranges, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the north, the plains to the east and the Amazon rainforest to the south,
MEPs welcome this new stage of peace building in Colombia and call for the participation of civil society in it. MEPs also call for the prompt start and advancement of negotiations with the National Liberation Army, ELN. Dear President Juan Manuel Santos, We, the undersigned Members of the European Parliament, welcome the new peace agreement
On 24 August 2016, the Colombian Government and the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – FARC) jointly announced the signing of the Final Agreement for the termination of the conflict and the construction of a stable and lasting peace. Oidhaco welcomes this declaration and hopes that it will be the
On 30 March 2016, the Colombian Government and the National Liberation Army (el Ejército de Liberación Nacional -ELN) jointly announced the beginning of the public phase of peace talks, following more than two years of closed-door negotiations. The headquarters for these talks will be in Ecuador, however sessions will also be held in Venezuela, Brazil,
In a letter sent to the delegations of the Colombian Government and the FARC -EP, organizations insist on the need to include into the agreements the permanence of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner in Colombia. To: Members of the negotiating team of the government of the Republic of Colombia; Members of the negotiating
The OIDHACO network of European organisations held its assembly on 23 and 24 September 2015 and at the same time organised several activities related to the role of European countries in peacebuilding in Colombia. Participating in the assembly were Colombian citizens representing different coordination groups of organisations working on development, democracy and human rights, as
The European organisations and coordination groups signing this statement would like to express our concern regarding a new assault on a staff member of the Colombia Europe United States – Coordination Group – CCEEU The European organisations and coordination groups signing this statement would like to express our concern regarding a new assault on a
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.
