The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

human rigths

Oidhaco and international organizations present shadow report on human rights in Colombia for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

by

On 28 June 2023, a shadow human rights report on Colombia, prepared by an ad hoc coalition of 67 international organizations, coordinated by the International Human Rights Office – Action Colombia (OIDHACO) was published in Brussels ahead of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Colombia.

The report was delivered to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, to which Colombia will be submitted in November 2023 for the fourth time since the process started. In the 2018 UPR, Colombia received 220 recommendations from other UN Member States aimed at improving the human rights situation in the country. Many of these recommendations insisted on the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement as a guarantee for human rights.

Download the report and the press release here:

New European agenda with Colombia

by

The socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have deepened pre-existing global inequalities and increased pressure on people in vulnerable situations. This has had a particular impact on human rights and democracy cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Colombia. Although priorities have been redefined, political and financial cooperation for the implementation of the Peace Agreement[1] continues to be a priority on the European agenda.

[1] This refers to the Final agreement for the termination of the conflict and the construction of a stable and lasting peace signed in 2016 between the Colombian State and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP).

Oidhaco rejects the murder of Marco Rivadeneira and calls for protection measures for Human Rights Defenders during the Covid 19 crisis

by

Oidhaco condemns the murder of Marco Rivadeneira member of the Operational Committee of the CCEEU and supports the call for a bilateral ceasefire.

The International Office for Human Rights – Action on Colombia (Oidhaco), calls immediate attention to the grave situation of risk faced by Human Rights Defenders and social leaders in Colombia. Concerns deepen for their security situation and protection in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.

Our solidarity is universal.

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.

Oidhaco logo - Oficina Internacional de derechos Humanos - Acción Colombia
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.