The Colombian Struggle for Rights and Peace

In-Depth with Óscar Ramírez Puerta

This week, PBI UK welcomed Colombian human rights defender Óscar Ramírez Puerta to London, where he met with NGOs, lawyers, Parliamentarians, and the Government, to encourage them to support a transformation of Colombian policing and the quest for 'total peace’. He discussed the threats his colleagues have faced, and why human rights defenders must be supported and protected - now more than ever - so that they can support Colombia’s evolution.

PBI’s Christian Cournoyer & Walter Nyabadza join Óscar Ramírez to advocate in Westminster

PBI’s Christian Cournoyer found time to catch up with him…

In the face of adversity, there are those who rise to meet the challenge, tirelessly defending the rights of the oppressed and the marginalised. Óscar Ramírez Puerta, President of the Committee for Solidarity with Political Prisoners (CSPP), is such an individual. Through his work, not only with this committee but also with the Defend Freedom for All Campaign and the Colombian Coalition Against Torture, Óscar has become a stalwart figure in human rights advocacy in Colombia. His efforts strive to protect those who are deprived of liberty, and to fight against abuses of authority, police violence, torture, and other forms of cruel or inhuman treatment.

Safeguarding the Protectors

Óscar’s day-to-day activities constitute a powerful undertaking in the realm of human rights. His work is comprehensive, covering the protection of human rights defenders, offering support to community groups, and analysing the human rights situation in Colombia, generating detailed and insightful reports. A major part of his work focuses on creating pathways to defend the rights of protesters and the victims of police violence. Moreover, the CSPP closely monitors prison conditions and represents victims of institutional violence or those incarcerated for political reasons.

Through his years of service in the Committee, Óscar has been instrumental in monitoring prison conditions, analysing criminal and penitentiary policy, representing the victims of state violence, and producing research on the criminalisation of social leadership. His invaluable efforts provide a lifeline to those who have suffered oppression and violations, giving them a beacon of hope and a chance for justice.

Encouraging Assistance 

Óscar’s advocacy work with PBI this week has thrown light upon the urgency for countries like the UK to step forward and contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation in Colombia. The aim is not just about creating a safer environment for brave human rights defenders, but also to establish a robust democracy and a peaceful society. 

In the grand scheme of global politics, every country's contribution counts. Especially at what Óscar sees as a critical juncture for Colombia, where the country’s first left-wing President is aiming to accelerate peace in the country, while proposing systemic changes to alter the systems and institutions traditionally associated with repression and abuse.

Óscar believes that if human rights defenders continue to be attacked for merely upholding the basic rights of their fellow citizens, the dream of democracy and peace in Colombia would remain unattainable. Therefore, his call to the UK and to other countries is not only a plea for assistance, but also a message of urgency for preserving the pillars of a democratic society.

The Current State of Affairs

The present situation for human rights defenders in Colombia is deeply concerning. Just in the first five months of this year, the country has witnessed the murder of 68 defenders. The sheer number of assaults, death threats, and intimidating messages have shaken the foundation of human rights advocacy there. Despite this, Óscar’s optimism for improvement remains unbroken.

According to Óscar, the government's active efforts to enhance the visibility of the situation and protect human rights defenders are commendable. However, a key area requiring immediate attention is the thorough investigation of those responsible for these heinous acts. It's essential that not only the material perpetrators of the attacks are pursued but also those who orchestrate them from the shadows but who rarely ever face justice.

Overcoming Threats and Stigmatization

The road to human rights advocacy is fraught with peril. Óscar and his colleagues face constant reprisals. These threats often arrive electronically, smearing the CSPP with accusations of undermining economic interests or forming illegal groups. Such unfounded accusations breed a culture of fear and stigmatisation that impedes their crucial work.

Their reputation also comes under attack from powerful politicians who accuse the Committee of engaging in "judicial warfare" against the state. The extent to which the State has previously sought to undermine the CSPP’s work and attack their members became clear in the recent testimony of a former paramilitary leader who said the CSPP had been declared a military objective by armed groups working at the behest of political actors to threaten, disappear and kill activists. Despite these very real threats, Óscar and his colleagues continue to advocate for human rights.

The Role of PBI

According to Óscar, the support and protection of Peace Brigades International (PBI) has proven invaluable to him and his team. PBI accompanies the CSPP to demonstrations, ensuring their activities are not dismissed and their members are not attacked by the security forces or other groups. This support provides what Óscar describes as “a protective shield”. Furthermore, PBI serves as a bridge between civil society organisations and the authorities, which can help to bring greater protection and political will for their work. The visibility that PBI provides serves to legitimise the activities of human rights defenders, garnering greater public support and acceptance, which in turn increases their safety.

An International Call to Action

Óscar hopes for an international commitment towards improving human rights issues in Colombia - particularly from the UK, which is Penholder on the Colombian Peace Process at the UN. He suggests that, as part of their role in accompanying implementation of the Havana Peace Accords that followed half a century of civil war, the UK can lead the push for greater participation by Colombian civil society in the Government’s policies and initiatives on peace, protection and policing. While in London this week, Óscar encouraged the UK to establish an in-depth political and financial engagement with the Colombian government to share best practises and encourage transformative reforms to the culture, policies and practices of the National Police, including in overcoming the impunity for crimes committed by their members, particularly against protesters.

The call is clear and pressing. Through direct and purposeful engagement, the UK - and others in the international community - can contribute to the development of an integral protection policy for human rights defenders, victims and communities, helping Colombia step closer towards a peaceful and democratic future.

• Download PBI’s Briefing Paper on Óscar’s advocacy asks in regards to police reform, total peace, and the protection of human rights defenders in Colombia

• Donate to PBI and help us bring more human rights defenders to the UK to advocate directly with decision-makers