Colombia: Christians at risk serving in impoverished areas

A joint-report published on 23 May 2019 by three human rights organizations (Indepaz, Marcha Patriƒ³tica and Cumbre Agraria) shows that 80 defenders of human rights have been‚ murdered in Colombia since 1 January 2019. According to Vida Nueva reporting on 17 July 2019, in many impoverished areas where criminal groups operate, church leaders and others in positions of responsibility are vulnerable to intimidation and death-threats if they speak out against human rights violations or activities that threaten the environment. Rossana Ramirez, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "There is no doubt about the value of the presence and influence of church work in the most neglected areas of Colombia. In a recent speech, even the Colombian president has acknowledged the contribution made by church social workers in helping prevent the spread of violence and in creating an awareness of environmental issues (Caracol, 4 July 2019). Church leaders are often targeted because they denounce the activities of criminal groups and because their Christian influence encourages a real change in life-style and behavior that hinders the growth of crime and recruitment to criminal networks. Although statistics concerning violent incidents are high, it is probable that many incidents do not get reported for fear of reprisals."