Critics of environmental policies in Colombia raised concerns

Colombian environmental activist Francisco Vera, leader of the 'Guardians for Life' movement, recently requested a public hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on July 22, 2021. Vera's plea came amidst concerns about the safety of environmental defenders in Colombia.

Vera emphasized that the violence against environmental defenders goes beyond murder. He highlighted the systematic harassment, persecution, and defamation campaigns that profile them as if they were guerrillas. Colombia has been ranked the most dangerous country in the world for defending land and the environment for two consecutive years, according to studies by the British NGO Global Witness.

Last week, Vera received four threats from publicly recognized individuals, threatening him with death without any consequences. This incident underscores the risks that environmental activists face in Colombia.

Global Witness conducted a survey among environmental defenders, in which 72% of participants reported receiving harassment and threats through social media. Vera's presence on social media, a virtual environmental activism program, and a network of schools, allows him to multiply his fight for climate action, children's rights, climate justice, and human rights.

The movement 'Guardians for Life' promotes responsible conservation habits, effective environmental policies, and gives a voice to local communities that depend on natural resources. Vera presented before the IACHR, together with the organization "Children and Youth Voices," discussing environmental protection, children's rights, and the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

The children of Chile and Colombia organized the hearing to expose, make visible, and address the situation of children, girls, and adolescents who defend nature and human rights in the region. The four children who participated in the hearing discussed current issues such as armed recruitment in Colombia affecting environmental defense, the perspective of indigenous children on this matter, and the disappearances of activists in Chile.

Sebastián Hernán, the head of human rights at the youth organization Life of Pachamama, stressed that the implementation of any agreements that may arise from these discussions with the community must come from civil society. IACHR commissioner José Luis Caballero found the hearing historic and relevant as it brought a different perspective from the children's viewpoint.

Vera made an appeal to protection mechanisms and to the IACHR to prioritize cases of threats to children and environmental defenders. No government in the country has been up to providing adequate conditions to protect environmental defenders, according to Vera's statement.

Environmental activism in Colombia has been fundamental in raising awareness of the country's environmental challenges. It serves as a platform for local communities to voice their concerns and push for sustainable practices and policies. By standing up for the environment, these activists are not just protecting the land and wildlife, but also the rights and future of the communities that depend on them.