Campaign launched to restore protection for Colombia’s religious leaders

Campaign Urges Reinstatement of Security for Colombian Religious Leaders Amid Rising Violence

Colombia is witnessing a new initiative to secure protection for religious figures, following a troubling increase in attacks by armed factions. The campaign focuses on reinstating safeguards once provided by Decrees 1066 and the National Protection System (NPS), which were removed in 2023, leaving religious leaders without special security measures.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) spearheads this campaign, highlighting that since December 2024, 11 religious leaders have been subjected to killings, disappearances, or kidnappings.

A notable incident involved Pastor José Otoniel Ortega, who tragically lost his life to gunfire during a New Year celebration.

In a separate grim discovery, a mass grave containing the bodies of eight religious and community leaders was found. According to the Colombian prosecutor’s office, these individuals were victims of murder by Frente Armando Ríos, a faction linked to the FARC guerrilla group.

The group reportedly summoned six men and two women under the guise of addressing rumors about a rival militia’s possible establishment in the area, leading to their demise.

Armed groups often target religious leaders, viewing them as obstacles to their operations due to their influential roles in promoting peace and justice.

The CSW campaign includes a petition intended for the upcoming presidential election winner, scheduled for May 31.

Anna Lee Stangl, CSW’s Director of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader, emphasized, “Over the past two years Colombia has returned to levels of violence reminiscent of the darkest days of the country’s decades-long internal conflict.

“As voices of peace, justice and freedom in their communities, religious leaders are obvious targets for the illegal armed and criminal groups that continue to spread fear throughout the country.

“Whoever wins the upcoming presidential election in Colombia must make the promises of ‘total peace’ on which the current government was elected an utmost priority, including by recognising the specific vulnerability of religious leaders and restoring their access to government protection programs and security mechanisms.”