In Colombia, being a human rights defender is very risky business. Those who defend the land, natural resources, and rights of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities face constant threats that undermine their right to participate, express their opinions, and decide on their future.
In this context, protecting civic space – that common ground where society can freely express itself, organize, and participate in making decisions that affect it – is more urgent than ever. Through our Connect, Defend, Act! program, we are working to counter attempts to restrict it by strengthening civil society on three key fronts: coalition building, knowledge production, and collective action.
About the research
Having solid data and rigorous analysis gives us a strategic tool for change. The “Civic Space Monitoring Report – Colombia 2025” study named and quantified the problem, identified patterns, recognized gaps, and shed light on the realities experienced by Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities.
With this solid evidence we can now:
- present viable alternatives to address challenges
- formulate recommendations based on concrete findings
- design collaborative solutions that involve diverse stakeholders
Monitoring work like this not only legitimizes communities’ demands, but also offers a common starting point for governments, civil society, and international cooperation to engage in dialogue using the same information base.
The report is available in Spanish
