Colombia Human Rights Activity Year Two Quarter Four Report

Despite setbacks, the peace process remained a central focus, with the national government suspending peace talks with the ELN after a bombing in Barranilla, only to resume them later in March 2018. The peace process generated deep social and political divisions, shaping political platforms throughout the congressional election season. The ongoing human rights crisis continued to deteriorate, with the UNOHCHR reporting alarmingly high figures regarding attacks on human rights defenders. In 2017, the UNOHCHR registered 441 attacks, including 121 killings, 23 members of social and political movements, and 14 people killed during social protests. Women, Afro-Colombians, indigenous, and LGBTI leaders were cited at high levels compared to previous years. HRA's departments of Antioquia and Cauca reported the highest number of killings, with 66% of all killings occurring in rural areas. In response to these challenges, HRA reinforced its strategies to promote human rights and prevent human rights violations. The organization worked with Colombia's institutions and authorities to develop critical tools for enforcing laws and policies to protect human rights defenders. With the Inspector General's Office (IGO), HRA continued to develop follow-up tools to facilitate the enforcement of laws and policies. The National Protection Unit (NPU) also worked with HRA to carry out collective risk evaluations for high-risk human rights organizations and communities, ensuring adequate protection measures. The release of the HRA-supported Report on Illegal Economies, focusing on narcotrafficking and illegal mining, was a key highlight during this quarter. The report introduced the latest analytical study and tool to be used by the Early Warning System (EWS) to address post-accord human rights challenges. HRA also made strides in developing department-led human rights schools in Tolima and Meta, advancing human rights policies for the first time in the region. Human Rights Defenders Remain a Priority for HRA Human rights defenders continue to face significant challenges in Colombia, with the UNOHCHR reporting high levels of attacks and killings. HRA's departments of Antioquia and Cauca reported the highest number of killings, with 66% of all killings occurring in rural areas. The primary perpetrators are illegal armed groups filling the power vacuums left by the FARC. HRA's commitment to promoting human rights defenders is evident in its work with the Ombudsman's Office to release the Report on Illegal Economies. The report introduced the latest analytical study and tool to be used by the Early Warning System (EWS) to address post-accord human rights challenges. HRA's efforts to develop department-led human rights schools in Tolima and Meta also demonstrate its commitment to advancing human rights policies in the region. Regional Coordination with USAID Programs Remains a Key Focus Regional coordination with USAID programs remains a key focus for HRA, with the organization working closely with USAID to advance human rights and peace education in Colombia. HRA's work with the Inspector General's Office (IGO) and the National Protection Unit (NPU) demonstrates its commitment to promoting human rights defenders and preventing human rights violations. HRA's efforts to develop department-led human rights schools in Tolima and Meta also demonstrate its commitment to advancing human rights policies in the region. The organization's work with the Ombudsman's Office to release the Report on Illegal Economies highlights its commitment to addressing post-accord human rights challenges. Human Rights Challenges Remain a Central Focus for HRA Human rights challenges remain a central focus for HRA, with the organization working to promote human rights and prevent human rights violations in Colombia. The ongoing human rights crisis continues to deteriorate, with the UNOHCHR reporting alarmingly high figures regarding attacks on human rights defenders. In response to these challenges, HRA has reinforced its strategies to promote human rights defenders and prevent human rights violations. The organization worked with Colombia's institutions and authorities to develop critical tools for enforcing laws and policies to protect human rights defenders. With the Inspector General's Office (IGO), HRA continued to develop follow-up tools to facilitate the enforcement of laws and policies. HRA's commitment to promoting human rights defenders is evident in its work with the Ombudsman's Office to release the Report on Illegal Economies. The report introduced the latest analytical study and tool to be used