ABColombia expresses its profound concern regarding the threats and statements posted on social media stigmatizing the work of CINEP on 4 March 2026, putting them and the communities they accompany at risk. 

Of grave concern is the context in which these statements were issued, as Chocó sees a resurgence of armed violence against the civilian population. This has increased fear and concern for those who are defending peace and social justice in the territories and poses a direct threat to the legitimate work in defence of human and environmental rights in one of the most ethnic and biodiverse regions of Colombia.  

Furthermore, of profound concern are the aggressions perpetrated against community leaders and human rights defenders as a result of the armed violence and social control mechanisms constructed by the paramilitary group, the Clan de Golfo, against human rights defenders and communities’ organisational processes in Chocó and across Colombia. 

Colombia remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights defenders, with 187 reported killings in 2025 alone. The department of Chocó is among those most affected by forced displacement and forced confinement due to the activities of armed groups in the region, which exert control over territory and illicit economies, such as gold mining and drug trafficking. Between January and September 2025, Chocó concentrated 32% of the country’s confined population, reflecting a profound deterioration in the security of Afro-descendant, Indigenous and peasant communities in the region.  

ABColombia acknowledges the Ministry of the Interior’s statements in support of CINEP, recognising their legitimate work and condemning the threats against them, but emphasises the importance of the Colombian Government upholding the protection of human rights and the adherence to International Humanitarian Law.  

Furthermore, ABColombia emphasises the need for immediate investigation of these threats by the Prosecutor General.  

Recommendations 

• That the Colombian government takes actions to guarantee the life, integrity and freedom of communities and defenders living in rural areas, including the provision of collective protection measures, grounded in territorial autonomy and knowledge of the local context. 

• That the Prosecutor General rapidly investigates who is behind these threats and brings those responsible to justice.