UN: Social leaders in Colombia face dramatic situation

In fact, according to the UN, while the general rate of homicides in the country has been reduced by 40 percent in recent years, violence against human rights defenders is increasing.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders defined as “dramatic” the situation of social leaders in Colombia.

Michel Forst said that the situation he witnessed in Colombia, after a 14-day visit and after listening to over 200 testimonies by social leaders, was “really serious”.

"As a Special Rapporteur - Forst said - I have visited many countries, but the situation I saw in Colombia is really dramatic.”

Forst added said that he was able to feel "the fear and horror" felt by social leaders who face constant attacks and threats.

In fact, according to the UN, while the general rate of homicides in the country has been reduced by 40 percent in recent years, violence against human rights defenders is increasing.

After seeing the figures on murders and threats and after confirming the fear and insecurity feelings in all parts of the country, the UN Special Rapporteur said that its can be said that there is a systematic attack on social leaders.

Something, the recurrent pattern of systematic attacks, the FARC (the party of the former guerrillas) has insisted on for months.

Forst also clarified that he had not spoken with President Iván Duque, with whom he met on Tuesday, to share the findings of the United Nations.

After the meeting with Forst, president Duque said he is “a president committed, every day, not only with the rights of social leaders” but also with their involvement  in the construction of a pact for equality.