LGBTQI+ Rights Under Pressure in Colombia: Political Change and the Role of Transitional Justice

Join the King’s Gender Studies Network and ABColombia in conversation with Marcela Sánchez from Colombia Diversa

Discussing Gender, Peace and Transitional Justice in Colombia’s current political context

Organised by ABColombia, the King’s College London Gender Studies Network, and Colombia Diversa, join us for an in-person panel event on LGBTQI+ rights in Colombia, followed by an informal reception.

THURSDAY 29 OCTOBER 2026

17:30 start | small drinks reception to follow

VENUE: Bush House North East, Room 6.05

Register here

Colombia’s 2016 Peace Accord was internationally recognised for its groundbreaking gender perspective and for acknowledging the particular impacts of the armed conflict on women and LGBTQI+ people. Ten years on, its transitional justice system continues to offer an important route to truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition for LGBTQI+ victims of the conflict.

Yet these advances are taking place in an increasingly challenging political and security context. Changes in the direction of peace building, the security policy, continuing violence in conflict-affected territories, and threats faced by human rights defenders raise important questions about the protection of LGBTQI+ rights and the future of an inclusive peace in Colombia.

Join Marcela Sánchez, Executive Director of Colombia Diversa, one of Colombia’s leading LGBTQI+ rights organisations, for a discussion exploring what the changing political landscape means for LGBTQI+ people and human rights defenders, and why transitional justice remains critical to ensuring that the experiences of LGBTQI+ victims are recognised and addressed.

Opening remarks by Louise Winstanley, Programme and Advocacy Manager, ABColombia, who will introduce the wider political, human rights and peace context in Colombia.

The discussion with Marcela Sánchez will be facilitated by Dr Saskia Zielińska, Lecturer in Gender and Development, Department of International Development, King’s College London, followed by questions and discussion with the audience.