Sure! Here’s the translation into American English:
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Colombia is facing an alarming reality marked by violence and the growing presence of illegal armed groups. In this context, the situation of human rights defenders and social leaders is becoming increasingly dangerous. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has highlighted these concerns in its recent report on the human rights situation in the country.
The work of this office, which is crucial at this current juncture, will be severely affected by a lack of resources. In light of this financial crisis, it has been decided to close three of its offices in Colombia, which will significantly reduce its territorial presence. During the presentation to the UN Human Rights Council, Maarit Kohonen Sheriff, Director of the Global Operations Division, informed that since July 2023, the office has faced economic difficulties that have limited its response capacity. The cessation of contributions from various donors, expected by 2025, will exacerbate this crisis, resulting in the closure of offices in Medellín, Neiva, and Villavicencio, impacting coverage in eight departments and jeopardizing the jobs of nearly half the staff.
Communities are already beginning to feel the impact of these closures, which has caused distress and concern among residents in the affected areas. Some have been visibly distraught by the news. Kohonen Sheriff warned that the reduction of protection in areas where non-state armed actors operate will increase threats to human rights defenders and limit technical assistance to the police, a key aspect in preventing excessive use of force.
The report also urgently calls on the Colombian government to secure the necessary funding to allow the office to continue its activities in the country. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of UN support for crucial processes related to peace and human rights. It highlights the need to strengthen support for the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed with the FARC-EP in 2016 and the importance of developing security policies that integrate territorial, ethnic, and gender approaches.
Additionally, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace is urged to include restorative projects in its rulings that address the harms suffered and to reform the protection system for human rights defenders, involving civil society in this process. The office also underscores the need for a profound reform of the National Police and intelligence legislation to align with international standards.
Finally, the Office of Human Rights reaffirmed its commitment to continue working together with Colombian institutions to strengthen transitional justice and ensure comprehensive reparation for victims, maintaining a clear focus on the defense of human rights as the foundation for achieving sustainable peace in the country.
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Referrer: MiMub in Spanish