Below is the UN statement released on 5 July 2018 regarding the severe escalation in violence against human rights defenders and social leaders in Colombia (translated by JFC):
UN rejects and condemns murders of human rights defenders and leaders in Colombia
Bogota, 5 July 2018
The United Nations in Colombia vehemently rejects and condemns the murders of human rights defenders and social leaders.
The upsurge in violence affects the conditions for a genuine stable and lasting peace. The inhabitants of the regions most affected by the armed conflict are those who are most vulnerable to multiple violations of their collective and individual rights, principally in the departments of Antioquia, Arauca, Cauca, Chocó, Córdoba, Nariño, Norte de Santander and Valle del Cauca, without counting the rest of the territory that is also seriously affected.
The UN urges the Colombian State to reinforce measures of prevention, protection and investigation to guarantee the right to life and the integrity of Colombians in every part of the country.
The United Nations in Colombia continues supporting, in the framework of its respective mandates, human rights defenders and social and communal leaders. It also reiterates its firm commitment to communities and its accompaniment with the State to guarantee the protection of life and consolidate the desired peace in the country.