The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) strongly condemns the systematic assassinations and attacks against social leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia, as dynamics of violence continue, despite the implementation of the peace agreement with FARC.

This year more than 100 social leaders has been murdered. A trend  that has been growing alarmingly in the region. The increase in these cases of aggression highlights the importance of the discussion on security in the communities and the existence of common patterns among the crimes committed.

The struggle for access to land, care for natural resources and for greater social justice must not be violated through illegal surveillance, harassment, sabotage, defamation, threats or assassinations by paramilitaries, post demobilised groups or State agents.

Those who live in the regions that were most affected by the armed conflict are the most vulnerable today to violations of their fundamental rights, mainly in places like Antioquia, Arauca, Chocó, Córdoba, Nariño, Norte de Santander and Valle del Cauca.

As IUSY we reiterate our commitment to consolidate the desired peace in Colombia, however, we urge the Colombian State to make the necessary efforts to support social leaders and human rights defenders, speeding up independent judicial investigations to clarify these cases, and reinforcing measures for prevention and protection, effectively guaranteeing the right to life and the physical and psychological integrity of Colombians.