Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli

Director for the Andes

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On this page, you’ll find the latest updates on Colombia and the current security situation as of March 2025. WOLA closely monitors the situation in collaboration with communities and partners, and we will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

January Urgent Actions

Five People Massacred in La Guajira

The Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de estudios para el desarrollo y paz, INDEPAZ) reported that on January 1, five people were massacred in the Parrantial neighborhood of Maicao, La Guajira. Reports indicate that armed men traveling in a pickup truck stopped to exit the vehicle before firing upon and killing Víctor Manuel Jurado Maza, Eider Enrique Cantillo, Alex Alfonso Mendoza Ávila, Jean Carlos Meza, and Janer Luis Bustamante. Two other individuals were injured and are receiving medical attention.

Trans Woman Assassinated (Bogotá)

On January 2, Caribe Afirmativo reported the assassination of Catia, a 20-year-old trans woman in Bogotá. Catia was talking to a friend in the street when individuals on a motorcycle drove by and attacked her with a blunt object. The murder occurred in plain view of the public and she died on the spot. Caribe Afirmativo’s Observatory of Human Rights reports that this is the first LGBTIQ individual murdered in Colombia in 2026.

Three Women Massacred (Cauca)

The Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de estudios para el desarrollo y paz, INDEPAZ) reported that on January 3, three individuals were fatally shot in Santander de Quilichao. Armed men shot and killed Irma Yulie Erazo Reina before pursuing other individuals in the area and killing two more, Angélica María Cantoñí Estacio, and Reina Nancy Stella.

Trans Woman Found Murdered (Valle del Cauca)

On January 9, Caribe Afirmativo reported the murder of Heilly Marcela, a trans woman who had been found slain on the streets in the Aguablanca District, commune 15. Witnesses report that she was seen in the La Isla neighborhood prior to her murder. According to Caribe Afirmativo’s Observatory of Human Rights, this is the second LGBTIQ person assassinated in Colombia this year.

Community Leader and Activist Killed (Norte de Santander)

On January 13, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de estudios para el desarrollo y paz, INDEPAZ) reported the assassination of Carlos Alberto Sánchez Hernández, a respected social leader and president of the Community Action Board of the Las Cumbres neighborhood in commune 6 of Cúcuta in Norte de Santander. Details related to his death are still being investigated, but initial reports indicate that he was killed with a machete in Cucutilla. Another individual accompanying him was also attacked and is in serious condition receiving medical care.

Humanitarian Gravedigger and Community Leader Murdered (Norte de Santander)

On January 15, Somos Defensores reported the assassination of Miguel Ángel López, a respected social leader and the owner of Funeraria San Miguel, a service providing dignified burials to unidentified victims of violence in Tíbu, Norte de Santander. Members of the paramilitary group EMBF opened fire on López’ car, killing him, his wife, and their six-month-old child. They are survived by their 10-year-old son.

Urgent Updates October-December

Wayúu Leader Suffers Assassination Attempt (La Guajira)

The José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (Cajar), the Center for Research and Popular Education (Cinep), and Censat Agua Viva Friends of the Earth Colombia reported that on December 12, unidentified individuals on motorcycles fired shots at the vehicle in which Wayúu indigenous human rights defender Misael Socarrás Ipuana was traveling. A well-known human rights and environmental rights defender, Misael, has denounced the negative impact that the Carbons of the Cerrejón Company’s operations are having on the local Wayúu communities. Since 2004, he’s received death threats, experienced assassination attempts, arbitrary detentions, and harassment. In July 2019, he was in his vehicle with his three-year-old daughter when it was hit by firearm projectiles. On December 2, unknown men went to Misael’s house looking for him. WOLA reasserts the Colombian organizations’ asks that the Attorney General investigate the December 12 incident and bring the intellectual and material authors to justice, that the National Protection Unit (UNP) strengthen Misael and his family’s protection measures, and that the Ministry of the Environment implement actions within the Escazu Agreement.

Harassment of Afro-Colombian Senate Candidate (Cundinamarca)

On December 11, WOLA was informed that Moisés Cetré Castillo, currently a professor at the National University who is running for a Senate seat with the Green Alliance, is experiencing in-person verbal and cyber harassment on multiple social media sites. Such harassment is concerning as it can lead to physical harm. All candidates should be able to campaign without fear of harm. WOLA urges the leadership of the National University to take action to stop the harassment.

Afro-Colombian Minor Killed in Crossfire (Cauca)

On November 16, the National Coordination of Organizations and Afro-Colombian Communities (Coordinación Nacional de Organizaciones y Comunidades Afrodescendientes, CONAFRO) denounced the assassination of Charol Valeria Mosquera, a sixteen-year-old girl who was shot and killed during an altercation between the Colombian Army and illegal armed groups. WOLA joins CONAFRO in demanding the immediate investigation of this case and the adoption of non-repetition measures that will protect Afro-Colombian communities.

Human Rights Defender Dies Due to Wounds Inflicted in July (Atlántico)

On November 14, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that human rights defender and member of the Solidarity Committee for Political Prisoners (Comité de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos), Nilson Andres De Arco Salcedo, was shot by a man on a motorcycle on July 20 in the municipality of Soledad. He sustained serious injuries, resulting in his passing on November 14.

Five Miners Assassinated at Workplace (Bolivar)

On November 4, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that suspected ELN members barged into a gold mine and shot five workers at the scene. They also destroyed machinery and caused the internal displacement of the mining community in the zone.

Indiscriminate Shooting Causes Four Fatalities (Cauca)

The Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) informed that on November 3, unknown individuals indiscriminately shot at a bar in the municipality of Corinto. There were four fatalities. The victims are reportedly two men and two women, with a possible minor among the group.

Four Victims Shot and Killed at a Bar (Valle del Cauca)

On November 1, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that during a shooting at a bar, four people were shot and killed in the municipality of El Aguila. In addition to the fatalities, three people were also hurt and transported to the hospital.

Multiple Attacks Against Lawyers and Human Rights Defenders (National)

After months of physical and psychological attacks, the Humanity Legal Corporation (Humanidad Vigente Corporación Juridica) expressed grave concern for the safety of members of its People’s Legal Team (Equipo Jurídico Pueblos). They urge Colombian authorities to effectively dismantle the illegal armed groups that are attacking human rights defenders. In particular, they ask for protection for Leonardo Jaimes, one of their members, who the 33rd Front (Frente 33), a splinter group of FARC, is persecuting.

Flooding Highlights Need for Investment in Local Infrastructure (Chocó)

The Afro-Colombian General Council of San Juan (ACADESAN) made a public statement on October 30, requesting the construction of eight shelters with funds from the Colombian National Unit for Disaster Risk Management after the recent flooding of the San Juan River. The flooding has impacted the municipalities of Sipí, Nóvita, Medio San Juan, Istmina, Litoral del San Juan, and Buenaventura.

Activist Assassinated (Valle del Cauca)

The Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) notified that on October 27, Guillermo Velasco, renowned farmer activist and the founder of the Perpetual Agriculture Association (Asociación Agroperpetua), was taken and assassinated by a group of men in Palmira, damaging homes, infrastructure, and crops.

Motorcycle Shooting Results in Three Deaths (Antioquia)

On October 26, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that armed men on motorcycles indiscriminately opened fire on a group of young people. Five people were injured, and three passed away shortly after the occurrence, which was described as a “social cleansing” against drug consumers. The victims were also suspected of having been part of the group “Los Mesa”, which operates in the municipality of “El Carmen de Viboral”.

September 2025

Municipal Youth Council Candidate Murdered (Antioquia)

On September 23, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported the murder of  Yeimar Gamboa Yépez, a youth leader who advocated for human rights, reconciliation, and youth engagement.  Yépez had just started transitioning from social leader to politics. He was the Democratic Center’s (Centro Democratico) candidate for Municipal Youth Council. Colombia’s Human Rights Ombudsman’s office issued a previous alert concerning increased safety concerns for human rights activists in the municipality of Chigorodóy.

Rights Ombudsman Releases Report on Internal Displacement 

On September 22, Colombia’s Human Rights Ombudsman released a report on internal displacement and the humanitarian situation in the country.  In this, they highlight that from January to August 2025, more than 159,000 people became internally displaced. Most internal displacements took place in August. During that month, 16 massive internal displacements were recorded, making it the month with the highest number of internal displacements. It registered 16 massive internal displacements (2,934 people) and 10 cases of confinement (6,174 people). The department of North Santander was the worst affected, followed by the Chocó. WOLA echoes the Ombudsman’s call to authorities to deliver humanitarian assistance, shelter, psychological help, and education to the victims. 

Trans Woman Assassinated in Popayán during Police Operation (Cauca) 

Caribe Afirmativo reported that on September 22, Karen was murdered in the town of  La Esmeralda nearPopayán, Cauca. Karen’s death is the second to be reported of an LGBTQ person during a police operation since September 15. 

Trade Unionist Murdered in San Luis (Valle del Cauca)

On September 22, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ reported the murder of trade unionist Oscar Becerra Aguirre. Mr. Aguirre was stabbed and died on the way to the hospital.

Trans Man Dies in Police Detention (Valle del Cauca)

Caribe Affirmativo reported on September 20 that Nacho, a trans man, died while in police custody in the Las Flores de Palmira Police Station, Valle del Cauca. WOLA calls on the Ministries of Defense and Equality to investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. 

Dissident FARC Should Immediately Release Indigenous Youth Leader (Cauca)

On September 20, indigenous youth Eybar Alban Liz Quiguanás, an indigenous youth leader, was kidnapped by the Dagoberto Ramos column of the dissident FARC in Tierradentro, Santa Rosa, Cauca. The Santa Rosa Indigenous Reserve in Capicisco, along with the leadership of the Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (Consejo Regional Indigena del Cauca, CRIC), is calling on the illegal armed actors to release Mr. Quiguanás. We urge Colombian institutions, international embassies and agencies operating in Colombia, and the international and Colombian civil society to all call for his release and an end to violations committed against Indigenous communities in Cauca. 

Ethnic Authorities Demand to Be Included in Peace Dialogue with Paramilitaries (Chocó)

On September 19, the Afro-Colombian Peace Council (CONPA) and the Interethnic Forum for Solidarity in Chocó (FISCH) urged the Colombian government to include them in the dialogues taking place with the paramilitary successor group, the Gaitanista Army of Colombia (Ejército Gaitanista de Colombia, EGC). Ethnic communities are negatively impacted by the ECG. As such, their inclusion ensures that peace efforts are sustainable. The Afro-Colombians and Indigenous peoples ask that the parties to the conflict implement humanitarian actions to relieve tensions while this process is taking place. Doing so would improve protection for ethnic authorities and communities residing in the municipalities that the Atrato River crosses. Furthermore, the ethnic groups urge that the dialogue include discussions on sexual violence, ethnic minorities’ right to their territory, and respect for their organizational processes. 

Guerrillas Kill 3 and Injure 1 Person in Los Cocuyos, Valle del Cauca)

On September 19, the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ) reported that men who identified themselves as guerrillas dragged Yilber Adrián López, Pablo Auce, Jhoan López Díaz, and Johan López Díaz out of their property in Ginebra, Valle del Cauca. They proceeded to take the four persons to the nearby train tracks and shoot them. Three of the victims died, and another survived with wounds. Colombia’s Human Rights Ombudsman previously alerted authorities of increased insecurity and risk in Ginebra due to the territorial dispute between two FARC dissident groups (Frente Adan Izquierdo del Estado Mayor Central and Frente 57 Yair Bermúdez).

Armed Assault Against a Vehicle Kills Three People (Valle del Cauca) 

On September 18, three people were assassinated at Club Campestre in the city of Cali, Valle del Cauca. According to the Institute for the Study of Development and Peace (Instituto de Estudios para el Desarrollo y la Paz, INDEPAZ), Brandon Asdrúbal Castrillón Medina, Daniel Esteban Freire Martínez, and a third unidentified man were murdered. 

Wounaan Phobor Community in Buenaventura Under Threat (Valle del Cauca) 

In September, the Network of Communities Constructing Peace in Colombia (Red de Comunidades Construyendo Paz en Colombia, ConpazCol) reported harassment of the Wounaan Phobor Indigenous persons located in the Humanitarian Shelter for Peace (Albergue Humanitario por la Paz) in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. These incidents are affecting the residents’ security and their ability to live in peace. In two separate instances, a traditional healer fell victim to extortion and death threats against him and his family. An unknown man with a white truck has suspiciously situated himself at the entrance of the community. ConpazCol is asking for an investigation into the perpetrators of the harassment. The State should provide the Wounaan Phobor with an update on their petition for collective measures. Their peace proposals should also be integrated into the urban socio-juridical dialogue taking place with the gangs in Buenaventura. 

Colombia Leads World in Killings of Environmental and Land Rights Activists

Global Witness issued its annual report on the security of environmental and land rights activists. Colombia remains the most dangerous country, and it comprises a third of all recorded lethal attacks in 2024. Since the 2016 Peace Accord, illegal armed groups that finance themselves with illegal economies are actively attempting to force Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities out of the country’s most biodiverse areas. Defenders of land rights facing land disputes remain highly vulnerable to violence. The violent climate is such that it is silencing cultures, debilitating the land, and undermining the environmental movements.

Human Rights Defender’s Vehicle Shot at Ten Times (Córdoba)

On September 14, Enyer Nieves, Director of the Cordoberxia Foundation’s vehicle, was shot more than ten times. This occurred shortly after Mr. Nieves participated in a municipal assembly on the topic of human rights. This is the second attack to take place against the Foundation. Its work is dedicated to promoting human rights in Córdoba.

Colombia Holds Record for Most LGBTQ Persons Killed in the Americas 

A recent study by Without Violence LGBTQ (Sin Violencia LGBTIQ ) and Colombia Diversa found that in 2024, there were 361 murders of LGBTQ persons. With a total of 175 victims, this makes Colombia the country with the highest murder rate of LGBTQ persons in........

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