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
The Catalonia Election Observation Mission for the second round of the presidential elections in Colombia has described Election Day on Sunday, June 21, as “calm and peaceful,” despite having detected “isolated irregularities.” The mission is made up of 26 people, including members of the Parliament of Catalonia and representatives of institutions and civil society organizations
Press release Brussels, 22 June 2026 We, Colombian and international civil society organisations, express our deep concern at the situation unfolding in Colombia following the election of Abelardo de la Espriella as president1. This new political context raises uncertainty regarding the continuity of progress on human rights, the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement
The RRW is a funding mechanism of the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)that supports urgent, short-term, strategic initiatives led by women peacebuilders and women’s civilsociety organizations, to increase women’s participation and influence in formal peace processes and theimplementation of international, national or sub-national peace agreements.
The Colombian Government has adopted the 2026–2036 National Action Plan on Human Rights, a roadmap designed to guide State action over the next decade to strengthen the promotion, protection and fulfilment of human rights. The Plan implements a commitment under the 2016 Peace Agreement and is integrated into the National Human Rights and International Humanitarian
May 27, 2026 The undersigned International civil society organizations that form part of Cooperation for Peace Space (ECP) make this statement in the current electoral situation. We warn that there is an escalation of violence and social control that entails coercion in the exercise of electoral democracy. We emphasize that there is a need to
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.
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.