Due to the persistence of the aggressions against women human rights defenders and the importance of their recognition as peace builders in Colombia, form 17th June to 1st July, PBI organised an advocacy mission in Europe for the Colombian human rights defender Olga Silva, director of Humanidad Vigente – human rights organisation that works in the fight against impunity, with emphasis on the rights of children, women and the defense of territory.
The advocacy mission took place in Belgium, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Holland, centered around the current situation in Colombia in terms of human rights, the vulnerability of human rights defenders, particularly women and indigenous communities (particularly those affected by the extractive industry such as in the case of Cerrejón in La Guajira), the challenges of the implementation of the Peace Agreements, the importance of the support from the EU for the ELN peace process (particularly the quick advance of humanitarian agreements and measures such as a bilateral cease fire). In Brussels Olga had meetings with European ministers and with the EEAS. She also participated in a panel at an event at the European Parliament, for the projection of the documentary “Women at the Front” by Lúla Gomez. During this event the human rights defender was able to explain the current situation in Colombia and particularly how it is affecting children, women and indigenous communities.
