UN says 'staggering' deaths of rights activists in Colombia

[Judi Lynn]

Christine Armario, Associated Press
Updated 10:59 am CST, Tuesday, January 14, 2020



Photo: Ivan Valencia, AP
FILE - This June 10, 2019 file photo shows activists who have received death threats displaying the names of killed leftist activists as part of an art installation by Colombia artist Doris Salcedo at Plaza Bolivar in downtown Bogota, Colombia. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020 at the “staggering number” of social activists killed in Colombia despite a peace accord aimed at improving conditions in poor, rural areas.


BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm Tuesday at the “staggering number” of social activists killed in Colombia despite a peace accord aimed at improving conditions in poor, rural areas.

According to the U.N., 107 human rights defenders were killed in 2019, a worrying number that could grow to 120 as investigations are completed. At least 10 activists have been reported killed in the first two weeks of 2020.

“This vicious and endemic cycle of violence and impunity must stop,” said Marta Hurtado, spokesperson for the high commissioner.

. . .

More than half the killings took place in four provinces – Antioquia, Arauca, Cauca and Caquetá – and people advocating on behalf of specific community, ethnic, indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups were the most targeted.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/world/article/UN-says-staggering-deaths-of-rights-activists-14973859.php