International organizations call for guarantees of protection amid the escalation of electoral violence in Colombia

ECP Statement – Colombia, May 27, 2026 

The undersigned International civil society organizations that form part of Cooperation for Peace Space (ECP) make this statement in the current electoral situation. We warn that there is an escalation of violence and social control that entails coercion in the exercise of electoral democracy. We emphasize that there is a need to strengthen protection guarantees for the civilian population and human rights defenders. In general, we call for all to foster respectful discourse that does not contribute to polarization and increased violence. In this regard, we urge the Colombian government and state to: 

• Guarantee the exercise of free, informed, conscious, and responsible electoral democracy 
• Maintain dialogue with the illegal armed actors, promoting minimum humanitarian agreements 
• Strengthen the protection of social leaders, human rights defenders, and communities at risk 
• Implement immediate actions and comprehensive responses that contribute to guaranteeing human rights and protecting life 

• Integrate into its efforts the Electoral Observation Mission’s (MOE) analyses of the electoral risk map and related factors. This information should guide preventive and protective measures to ensure free, transparent, and secure elections for all citizens. 

As international civil society organizations, we urge all relevant authorities, the diplomatic corps, and the international community to continue supporting civil society leaders, children, adolescents, youth, women, and LGBTIQ+ individuals who work daily to build peace from the ground up. 

As an international community, we remain vigilant for a Colombia at peace.