Colombia urgent alert: shooting of social leader

URGENT ALERT

PBI are deeply concerned about the shooting of Carlos Morales and his wife last night. They are now both out of danger but believe the motive was his political activity and advocacy as President of CAHUCOPANA

This attack occurred within the context of a serious escalation in armed conflict across Colombia and ahead of the elections season.

We are particularly concerned about the recent suspension of human rights monitoring in the field as we go into a time of elevated risk for communities and social leaders.

CAHUCOPANA’s statement on the attack can be read on Facebook

Founded in 2005, CAHUCOPANA works to ensure the rights of the people of Remedios and Segovia in the Northeastern Antioquia region are respected and upheld.

By denouncing human rights violations and strengthening peasant organisations, CAHUCOPANA has become a leader in resistance for the region and now represents around 3,000 people.

The situation in the region has worsened significantly in the past year, and CAHUCOPANA has been outspoken on the issues of lack of progress in implementing the Peace Accords, the escalation of operations by illegal arms groups, and the lack of investigation into attacks on civilians.