Brussels, 1 March 2023
We at ProtectDefenders.eu extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ludivia Galindez, a brave woman who dedicated her life to defending human rights in Colombia. Ludivia was closely linked with ProtectDefenders.eu and had received direct support from the EU HRD mechanism in the context of her work as a human rights defender.
As a social leader and human rights defender, Ludivia Galindez worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities, particularly in the region of Caquetá. Her leadership as the President of the Asociación Municipal de Juntas de Acción Comunal (ASOJUNTAS) and her involvement in organizations such as the Asociación de Mujeres por la Paz y la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos de la Mujer Colombiana (ASODEMUC) and the Comité Permanente de Derechos Humanos (CPDH) exemplified her commitment to promoting peace and defending human dignity.
On the night of February 23rd, she was brutally assassinated by unidentified armed men outside her home in Florencia, Caquetá. Despite the protection measures provided by the National Protection Unit (UNP), including a vehicle, two guards, and other security provisions, Ludivia and her family remained vulnerable to the threats and intimidation orchestrated by criminal armed groups.
The murder of Ludivia Galindez is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend of violence targeting human rights defenders in Colombia. Ludivia had previously been displaced from her home in Miramar, La Montañita, due to threats from organized armed groups (GAOR). Despite her efforts to seek refuge and protection, she continued to face harassment and intimidation for her courageous advocacy against human rights violations in her community.
ProtectDefenders.eu condemns unequivocally the assassination of Ludivia Galindez and calls for swift and thorough investigations to bring those responsible to justice. We urge Colombian authorities to publicly condemn this heinous crime, initiate an impartial investigation, and provide adequate protection and support to Ludivia’s family.
ProtectDefenders.eu
