Human Rights Committee demands accountability for Adama Traoré, victims of police violence in France
At France’s review by the UN Human Rights Committee, the case of Adama Traoré illustrated grave concerns about police violence and impunity.
The Inter-American Court has found that Colombia failed to adopt adequate measures to protect the life of community leader Ana Teresa Yarce and guarantee the right to freedom of association, among others, of four women human rights defenders.
Este artículo también está disponible en Español.
On 10 January 2017, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights published the case Yarce and others vs. Colombia, concerning five women human rights defenders in Comuna 13, a neighbourhood in the city of Medellin. The women were part of two community organizations, Las Independencias Women’s Association (Asociación de Mujeres de las Independencias) and the Community Action Board (Juntas Comunales de Acción).
These women were subjected to threats and harassment. Two of the women’s homes were occupied and destroyed, which resulted in their displacement. Three of the women were arbitrarily arrested, and one was assassinated. Consequently, in fear for their lives, these women were forcibly displaced. These violations occurred in the context of the armed conflict – Comuna 13 is known for being the location where several military operations aimed at confronting armed groups took place. The armed confrontations lead to intra-urban displacement which exposed community leaders, particularly women human rights defenders, to heightened risks.
Findings of the Inter-American Court
The Court found that Colombia violated a number of the women rights, as well as their family members’, including: the right to life; personal integrity; personal liberty; rights of the family; judicial guarantees; property; freedom of association; and freedom of movement. The Court also declared the violation of Article 7 of the Inter-American Convention on the prevention, punishment and eradication of violence against women.
In finding that Colombia violated these rights, the Court concluded that:
Finally, the Court ordered the State to adopt adequate reparation measures to the victims and their families and to implement a program in Comuna 13 to promote the work of human rights defenders and encourage dialogue between the community, defenders and the State.
Fabiana Pardi, a fellow at the International Service for Human Rights, welcomed the important decision from the Inter-American System which builds on its recent order for States to adopt effective public policies for defender protection.
‘It is integral that the Court continue its work to address specific risks and protection needs of women human rights defenders as articulated in the American Convention, especially in the current circumstances where they are exposed to serious risks,’ said Ms Pardi.
This ruling is only available in Spanish.
At France’s review by the UN Human Rights Committee, the case of Adama Traoré illustrated grave concerns about police violence and impunity.
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