Latin America is the region with the highest number of human rights defenders killed. According to recent data, 237 defenders were killed in the region last year, accounting for 300 worldwide. This concerning trend has prompted the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) to launch a special protection program for human rights defenders in the region. The program aims to provide support and protection to defenders who are at risk.
The AECID program was initiated a year ago and has been explained by Carmen Morais, advisor to the Latin America and Caribbean Department of AECID. The program's goal is to provide protection to human rights defenders, including journalists, environmentalists, community leaders, and indigenous leaders. The situation in Latin America is complex, with many countries facing challenges in terms of violence and insecurity.
To better understand the situation, a team traveled to Honduras and Colombia to speak with a leader under protection who prefers to remain anonymous. The leader shared their experiences and concerns about the risks they face as a human rights defender. The team also spoke with Vicente Ortega, head of Spanish cooperation in Bogotá, who described the complex and diverse situation in Colombia.
The situation in Colombia is particularly challenging, with many human rights defenders facing risks and threats. Despite these challenges, there have been some successes, and Ortega highlighted the importance of cooperation and support from the international community. The AECID program is part of a broader effort by the Spanish government to support human rights defenders in Latin America.
The protection of human rights defenders is a key priority for the Spanish government, and the AECID program is an important part of this effort. The program provides support and protection to defenders who are at risk, and it also aims to promote a culture of respect for human rights in the region. The Spanish government has emphasized its commitment to protecting human rights defenders and promoting human rights in Latin America.
The "Somos Cooperación" radio program, produced by the Spanish Cooperation in Radio Nacional de España, has dedicated an episode to the protection of human rights defenders in Latin America. The program, presented and directed by journalist María Dolores Albiac, explores the challenges faced by defenders in the region and the efforts being made to support them. The program is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about human rights issues in Latin America.
The "Somos Cooperación" program is a weekly radio program that focuses on topics related to Spanish cooperation and international development. The program aims to promote a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Latin America and to highlight the work of the Spanish cooperation in the region. The program is available on the RTVE website and can be downloaded from the RTVE a la Carta platform.
Key points
- The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID) has launched a special protection program for human rights defenders in Latin America, where 237 defenders were killed last year.
