In response to reports of threats against representatives from Indigenous and Afro-descendant organizations, social leaders and people who form part of the Indigenous Guard in the face of the presidential elections in Colombia on Sunday, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:
“The Colombian authorities must urgently investigate the reports of threats from the FARC, ELN and the paramilitary group Gaitanistas Self-Defence Forces of Colombia. The state must ensure participation in the elections in areas where the armed conflict continues, such as Cauca, Nariño, Chocó and Valle. The protection of vulnerable communities and ethnic and community leaders in these territories should be a priority this Sunday.”
The protection of vulnerable communities and ethnic and community leaders in these territories should be a priority this Sunday
Erika Guevara Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International