Colombia and Venezuela: The World’s Most Dangerous Places for Human Rights Defenders
Amnesty International has highlighted a grave reality: Colombia and Venezuela are the two most dangerous countries in the world to defend human rights. This alarming designation stems from escalating violence in Colombia, driven by ongoing armed conflict, and the pervasive state repression seen in Venezuela.
A Crisis of Violence in Colombia
Colombia is entrenched in a multifaceted crisis marked by violence and human rights violations. According to Amnesty International’s recent report, over nine million Colombians—nearly a fifth of the population—are direct victims of the armed conflict. This alarming statistic includes marginalized communities such as peasant farmers, indigenous people, and Afro-descendants, who bear the brunt of the violence.
The report raises concerns about the Colombian government’s “total peace” policy, which aims to negotiate with illegal armed groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and remnants of FARC. While the intention might be to foster peace, Amnesty points out that in 2025, promises of justice and reparations for victims remain ambiguous and unfulfilled.
The Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Colombia is deteriorating, characterized by widespread forced displacements and restricted access to essential services such as healthcare and education. Camilo Vargas, Amnesty International’s Colombia campaigns manager, emphasizes the dire need for international attention, noting that hundreds of thousands are now living in confinement.
Tragically, 2025 recorded a peak in lethal violence against human rights defenders, with 165 murders documented. Vargas insists that the ongoing humanitarian crisis cannot be normalized and calls for urgent action.
State Repression in Venezuela
Venezuela’s situation is equally concerning, marked by systematic state repression that undermines civic freedoms. Amnesty International points to the state’s security forces, judicial system, and a slew of restrictive laws that effectively silence dissent. Nastassja Rojas, the director of Amnesty International in Venezuela, highlights that arbitrary detentions remain rampant, with over 400 individuals still detained as of 2026.
In 2025 alone, 806 reports of irregular detention were recorded, demonstrating a troubling trend of human rights violations. The Venezuelan government employs tactics like forced disappearances and judicial manipulation to suppress dissent, with 63 individuals currently unaccounted for.
The Perils Faced by Defenders
The situation for human rights defenders in both countries is perilous. In Venezuela, recent attacks on journalists and the persecution of activists serve to create a climate of fear and repression. The case of Yendri Velásquez, a Venezuelan defender who fled to Bogotá only to be attacked by hitmen, illustrates the severe risks faced by those advocating for human rights.
Valentina Ballesta, Amnesty’s deputy director of research for the region, underscores the vulnerability of defenders, stating that their lives are in constant danger due to their commitment to human rights.
Conclusion: A Call for Global Solidarity
The crises in Colombia and Venezuela demand urgent attention and intervention from the international community. It is crucial not to look away from the ongoing human rights violations that plague these nations. Advocacy for the protection of human rights defenders must become a global priority, ensuring that those promoting justice, truth, and equality are not left in the crosshairs of violence and repression.
By standing in solidarity with human rights defenders in Colombia and Venezuela, the international community can contribute to a future where everyone can enjoy their rights free from fear.