Healing for Sexual Violence Survivors in Colombia

Thanks to your continued support, MADRE has been able to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable in Colombia. This is a major victory for women and LGBTIQ+ people who are survivors of armed conflict. For the first time in Colombia’s history, its government charged perpetrators with committing a crime against humanity on the basis of gender. This is only the second time ever that this charge has been successfully issued in a court successfully charged in a tribunal. The first charge was in the International Criminal Court last year, also thanks to MADRE’s advocacy efforts. 

Specifically, the Colombian government has charged high-ranking army commanders with "gender persecution" in a case involving the murder of a gay man and nine women during the country's armed conflict. The significance of this is that the charges include crimes against both women and LGBTIQ+ persons as well as charges for violations of reproductive rights (as one of the murdered women was pregnant). 

This meaningful outcome is the direct result of MADRE's work to ensure that gender discrimination is recognized as a basis for crimes against humanity. It reflects our efforts alongside partners over the last two years to educate Colombian stakeholders on what gender persecution is and why it's critical. 

We still have to win the case, but the charges are a milestone. Our partners there are counting on us to join them in their pursuit of justice for women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ people who are targeted for violence by armed groups because of their gender. 

This win comes on the heels of Francia Márquez’s election as the country’s first Black Vice President. Francia is part of MADRE’s partner organization, Proceso de Comunidades Negras.We are excited about all that Francia’s leadership will mean for social justice in Colombia, including new opportunities for power-building by Black communities.

Your dedication to uplifting our partners enables us to support women and girls leading the way toward lasting change in their local communities and around the world. Thank you for being part of the MADRE community.