IACHR extends precautionary measures in favor of authorities and members of Siona indigenous reservations in Colombia

September 25, 2024

Washington, D.C. – On August 21, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Follow-up and extension resolution 53/2024, concerning the situation of the authorities and members of the Siona indigenous people's reservations Gonzaya (Buenavista) and Po Piyuya (Santa Cruz de Piñuña Blanco).

In this resolution, the IACHR assessed the persistence of the risks identified when the beneficiaries were granted precautionary measures in 2018 (MC-395-18). The information that was provided by the beneficiaries' representatives showed that illegal armed groups remained active in their territories, and that threats, intimidation, illegal occupations, and armed clashes persisted, that beneficiaries were still being described as "military targets" and their movements were still being restricted, that there continued to be explosives available in the area, and that young people were being recruited by armed groups, among other manifestations of violence.

The IACHR noted the platforms that have been launched domestically to enable the implementation of the precautionary measures that were granted in 2018. However, the IACHR finds that, given the level of violence in the area, State action needs to be strengthened to ensure effective protection. Along similar lines, the IACHR finds it necessary to ensure that all measures adopted by the State take into consideration a culturally appropriate approach and the geography of the area.

The IACHR also assessed the situation of L.M.E.V., a human rights defender who faces the same long-term risks as the beneficiaries because she works in the same context. The IACHR noted the situation of L.M.E.V., taking into consideration the constant death threats she gets from armed groups who are reportedly active on land belonging to the indigenous reservations and the fact that she constantly visits the area due to her efforts to defend rights. Despite the measures taken by the State, the alleged risks persist.

After assessing the legal and factual allegations in this case, and in keeping with Article 25 of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to take the following action:

1. Ask the State to brace the implementation of all necessary measures to effectively protect the lives and personal integrity of the various groups of beneficiaries who were identified in resolution 53/2018, taking into consideration the conclusions reached in Resolution 53/2024
2. Ask the State to extend precautionary measures in favor of L.M.E.V. (the IACHR asks the State to (i) adopt any measures necessary to preserve the beneficiary's rights to life and personal integrity; (ii) take any protection measures necessary to ensure that the beneficiary can continue to do her work in defense of human rights without being subjected to threats, intimidation, harassment, or any other acts of violence; (iii) report on any actions taken to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to the adoption of precautionary measures in favor of L.M.E.V., to prevent such events from happening again in the future)
3. Urge the parties to submit concrete, detailed, and up-to-date information about the beneficiaries' situation, in order to continue to assess that situation in keeping with Article 25 of the IACHR's Rules of Procedure (when providing this information, the parties are asked to specify the situation of the beneficiaries—whether individuals or groups—to be able to adequately identify how these precautionary measures are being implementing concerning each of these three groups, which involves, among others, reporting on individual and collective protection pathways in force, negotiations, and agreements)
4. Ask the parties to continue to share platforms for internal negotiation and coordination, with a view to ensuring the implementation of these precautionary measures

The IACHR is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 224/24

No. 224/24

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