colombia

Jackeline Rojas is a prominent human rights defender in Colombia. She is the oordinator and legal representative for the Organisation Femenina Popular in Magdalena Medio, Colombia. Jackeline Rojas and the OFP work to empower women and those who say no to war and violence. Human rights defenders are the objects of constant surveillance and attacks in Colombia.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports of renewed threats against the Espacio de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de Derechos Humanos – ETTDH (Space of Human Rights Workers), a platform of human rights organisations based in the city of Barrancabermeja and the region of Magdalena Medio, which includes the Organización Feminina Popular – OFP (Women's Popular Organisation), the Corporación Regional para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos – CREDHOS (Regional Corporation for the Defence of Human Rights), the Programas de Desarrollo y Paz – PDP (Programmes for Peace and Development), the Unión Sindical Obrera – USO (Workers' Labour Union), the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de Empresas Operadoras, Contratistas, Subcontratistas de Servicios y Actividades de la Industria del Petróleo, Petroquímica y Similares – SINDISPETROL (National Trade Union of Workers of Petroleum, Petrochemical and Related Contractors, Services Subcontractors and Activities), and the trade union of the company Colombian Fertilisers – FERTICOL. Front Line previously expressed its concern regarding threats made against these organisations in an urgent action of 25 June 2008.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following reports that there have been death threats made against a number of non-governmental organisations, all members of the Espacio de Trabajadores y Trabajadoras de Derechos Humanos (ETTDH – Human Rights Workers' Coalition), allegedly sent by the paramilitary group, the “Águilas Negras (Black Eagles)”. The ETTDH is a network of social organisations and human rights defenders' organisations in Barrancabermeja and the region of the Magdalena Medio.  

Front Line is deeply concerned following information received concerning death threats against four human rights defenders during the month of March 2008: Isabelino Valencia, the legal representative for the region of Lower Naya, and Frank William Cayapur Delgado, Edward Mina Cuero and Yimi Armando Jansasoy Muñoz who work with the human rights organisation, the Comisión Intereclesial de Justicia y Paz (Intereclesial Commission for Justice and Peace).