Colombia Averaged 16 Community Leader Killings Per Month in 2024

Colombia ended 2024 with a tragic record: an average of 16 community leaders were killed each month, according to United Nations estimates. As of Nov. 30, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia documented 186 murders of alleged community leaders, surpassing the 163 reported during the same period last year.

The report states that of the total deaths, only 80 were verified to be connected to their roles as community leaders. Of those, 10 were women, 69 were men, and one was a transgender woman.

Colombia’s community leader assassination drama continues in 2024

A United Nations report documented 186 alleged murders of community leaders in Colombia during the first 11 months of 2024. Of these, only 80 were verified as crimes linked to leadership activities, a figure nearly 20 higher than the same period in 2023.

The report states that among the verified cases, 19 victims were members of Indigenous communities, and 37 were peasants.

To classify a case as “verified,” the report explains, it must be confirmed that the victim identified as a human rights defender under the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and that the homicide was linked to their activities. Cases that do not meet these criteria are labeled inconclusive.

Of the 186 allegations, 11 remain under verification, while 95 have been classified as inconclusive, indicating the victims did not have recognized leadership roles.

Conflict zones account for most murders in Colombia

The report highlights the geographic distribution of confirmed homicides of community leaders in Colombia, with the departments of Cauca, Arauca, and Valle del Cauca reporting the highest numbers, at 17, 15, and 11 cases, respectively.

These regions are known for the presence of illegal armed groups and high levels of armed activity.

Other departments with notable figures include Antioquia, Huila, and Meta. Meanwhile, Risaralda, Boyacá, and Bolívar each reported one case.

The difficult task of community leaders in Colombia

Community leaders in Colombia play a vital role in fostering equitable and democratic communities. They advocate for the rights of their people, working to improve access to education, health care, housing, and social justice.

Their efforts include defending land and environmental resources, uncovering the truth about victims of armed conflict, and supporting peace processes. These leaders often arise in response to historical inequalities and government neglect, particularly in rural areas. They typically represent peasant, Indigenous, Afro-descendant communities, and victims of violence.

However, their work comes with significant risks. Community leaders face constant threats from illegal armed groups, drug traffickers, and other actors vying for control of territories. Colombia has consistently reported alarming levels of violence against these human rights defenders, making their advocacy a perilous endeavor.