Monday, November 25, 2024 

In the latest Amnesty Urgent Action letter, the Union urged Colombian Attorney General, Luz Adriana Camargo, to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of women searchers from the Fundación Nydia Erika Bautista (FNEB), a human rights organization advocating for justice for victims of forced disappearance. 

“By writing this letter, we are standing in solidarity with FNEB and urging Colombian authorities to take decisive action to protect them, ensuring that justice and hope remain within reach for the families of the disappeared,” Says TRUSU Women’s Representative, Fahina Afrin. 

On October 24, 2024, FNEB members faced alarming incidents, including suspicious activity during a private gathering and an attempted hack of the organization’s email. These incidents form part of a troubling pattern of harassment and intimidation that risks silencing human rights defenders in Colombia. 

The FNEB has been instrumental in providing support to families of enforced disappearance victims, particularly women, and has played a key role in the enactment of new legal protections for women searchers in 2024. However, these incidents highlight the urgent need for meaningful implementation of these protections to prevent further attacks. Despite these legislative advancements, recent events underscore the challenges women searchers face and the urgent necessity for Colombia to translate these legal protections into tangible safety measures. 

“Colombian authorities must prioritize this case, holding those responsible to account and ensuring measures are in place to prevent future threats,” Afrin emphasized. “The safety of these women must be guaranteed, and their vital work must continue without fear of reprisal.” 

TRUSU awaits a response from the Attorney General and hopes for immediate action to uphold the rights and safety of FNEB members. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.