National Safety Mechanisms - Colombia
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists over 50 killings have been recorded in Colombia since 1993. Less than 20% of these crimes have been judicially resolved according to the latest Director-General's Report on the Safety of Journalists and the Danger of Impunity. Colombia has responded 13 times to all of the Director-General's requests for information on the judicial status of the cases of these killed journalists since 2009.
Currently there are 3 national safety mechanisms being implemented in Colombia to prevent, protect and prosecute crimes committed against journalists. There is also 1 ongoing national action plan with a specific component dedicated to improving the safety of journalists. More information on these initiatives is summarised below including relevant links.
Protection Program of the National Protection Unit
The Protection Program of the National Protection Unit (Programa de Protecci贸n de la Unidad Nacional de Protecci贸n) was established in its current institutional form in 2011. The National Protection Unit does not only cover the issues related to journalists and media professionals but it is also responsible for protecting 16 categories of citizens (including human rights defenders, social leaders, ex-combatants etc).
What activities are carried out?
The Protection Program implements protection measures, such as the provision of bodyguards, armour-plated cars and communication equipment and the coordination between the National Police and the National Protection Unit in case of imminent risk.
How is it implemented?
The procedure to access the Protection Program of the National Protection Unit starts by completing the Registration Form for the Protection Program received from the Filing and Correspondence Group. The requestor is then referred to the Group of Protection Requests for the verification of documentation and subsequent implementation of appropriate protection measures upon successful application.
Who are the stakeholders?
The National Protection Unit is located within the Ministry of Interior. The National Police coordinate with the National Protection Unit to implement protection measures for journalists. The Ministry of Defence provides military intelligence regarding the location of threats, which may include armed groups. The Office of the Ombudsman is present during the Risk Assessment and Measures Recommendations Committee and provides information on risk. The Attorney General's Office cooperates, when necessary, with the National Protection Unit during the decision making process on providing protection measures. Civil society organisations support these assessments, including the Colombian Federation of Journalists (FELCOPER), the Colombian Association of Publishers of Newspapers and Media (ANDIARIOS), the National Association of Media (ASOMEDIOS) and the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP).
The National Protection Unit then implements protection measures through the use of private security companies.
National Working Group for the prioritisation, support and immediate response to the investigation of threats against human rights defenders or other specific populations
The National Working Group was established in2020. It operates at national level for the safety of journalists and human rights defenders.
What are the activities carried out?
The Working Group was established to enhance the investigation of attacks against human rights defenders, including journalists. The Working Group produces context analysis reports in order to better understand the dynamics of violence, has a designated contact point between the Working Group and the Foundation for the Freedom of Press (FLIP), has a 24-hour-a-day operating hotline to receive threats alerts and a rapid response system to provide help when needed.
The Group leverages its diverse stakeholder group to enhance investigations into these types of attacks, and also engages in capacity building by organizing trainings for prosecutors, investigators and analysts.
How is it implemented?
The Group has meetings organized periodically bringing together the stakeholders.
Who are the stakeholders?
The National Working Group is directed by the Office of the Deputy Attorney General of the Nation.
It is composed of the Delegate for Territorial Security, the Directorate Specialized against Human Rights Violations, the Public Policy and Strategy Directorate and the Special Investigation Unit.
The Foundation for the Freedom of Press (FLIP) also takes part in the implementation of some aspects of the mechanism.
Fund for the Prevention, Protection and Assistance of Women Journalists Victims of Gender Violence
The national Fund for the Prevention, Protection and Assistance of Women Journalists Victims of Gender Violence was established in 2024. The fund is part of reparation measures ordered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of 鈥淏edoya Lima et al. vs. Colombia鈥.
What are the activities carried out?
The Fund conducts policy research to monitor the prevalence and enduring challenges regarding gender-based violence faced by journalists. This research will be used to develop policies and strategies to prevent and combat those crimes.
How is it implemented?
The Fund is legislated set to receive a yearly budget for its operations.
Who are the stakeholders?
The Fund is regulated by the national government and implemented by the Ministry of Equality and Equity. The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) is also a stakeholder in the Fund.
For more specific information on the national safety mechanism and action plan in Colombia and those in other countries please follow the links.
