The IACHR pointed out the need for Colombia to adopt effective measures to prevent attacks against defenders and activists who have sought refuge in its territory, such as the LGBTI defender Yendri Velásquez and the political activist Luis Peche.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned on Thursday the 16th the firearm attack against the LGBTI defender Yendri Velásquez and the political consultant Luis Peche, both of Venezuelan nationality, which occurred on October 13 in Bogotá.
The commission manifested its concern about the violence carried out against human rights defenders and urged the Colombian authorities to investigate the events. Yendri Velásquez has a request for international protection pending in Colombia, after having reported retaliation in her country of origin.
Likewise, the IACHR pointed out the need for Colombia to adopt effective measures to prevent attacks against defenders and activists who have sought refuge in its territory. In this sense, he called to strengthen protection mechanisms and ensure a prompt response to acts of violence that affect those who carry out activities in favor of human rights.
*Read also: Human rights defenders forced into exile: strategy to save their lives
Yendri Velásquez and Luis Peche were victims of an armed attack on October 13 after leaving a residential building in Bogotá. Both activists received several gunshot wounds, which caused the LGBTI activist to receive at least three surgeries. The Colombian Police seized the vehicle used by the attackers and continue investigating the crime.
The IACHR recalled that States have the obligation to guarantee the life, integrity and security of all people under their jurisdiction, especially those who are at risk due to their work in defending human rights.
*Journalism in Venezuela is carried out in a hostile environment for the press with dozens of legal instruments in place to punish the word, especially the laws “against hate”, “against fascism” and “against the blockade.” This content was written taking into consideration the threats and limits that, consequently, have been imposed on the dissemination of information from within the country.
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