Murder of a new human rights defender in Colombia | News

Nathan Rivera

19/04/2022

Share on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on PocketShare on TelegramShare on Hatena
Rate this post

The Institute of Studies for Development and Peace (Indepaz) denounced this Monday night the murder of John Jairo Esquivel, leader and defender of human rights in Colombia, who would be the 55th activist assassinated so far in 2022, according to non-governmental organization (NGO) records.

READ ALSO:

New massacre in Cauca, Colombia, leaves four dead

Esquivel was a member of the Peasant Guard and a member of the National Peasant Association (Asonalca), in the village of Salem, in the municipality of Fortúl, in the eastern department of Arauca.

The National Liberation Army (ELN) and other illegal armed structures have a presence in this area. The region belongs to the Second Division of the Colombian Army.

The Asonalca issued a statement on their social networks where they rejected and denounced the murder of their partner in the peasant struggle. "We hold the Colombian State responsible for these events and the actions committed against the social movement and its communities," he said.



According to Asonalca, the persecution, stigmatization, prosecution and assassination of the social movement in the center-east of the country aggravates the humanitarian crisis in these territories in the face of the reconfiguration of the conflict through the axis of paramilitarism and genocide against Colombians.

The organization urged the international community and human rights organizations to accompany the communities to "help streamline and approve collective protection mechanisms and make visible the serious situation in the country."



Esquivel was assassinated in still unknown circumstances, according to Indepaz. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman's Office issued Early Warning AT 029/19 for the municipalities of Arauquita, Fortul, Saravena, Tame (Arauca), in which it indicates actions of resurgence of violence due to confrontations between illegal armed structures.

These armed groups control the population and its mobility, carry out criminal actions to obtain illicit income, from the smuggling of fuel, livestock, merchandise and arms trafficking.

Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

Share on LinkedInShare on RedditShare on PocketShare on TelegramShare on Hatena