IACHR grants precautionary measures to Moisés Payares, his immediate family, and Jesús Brun in Colombia

November 18, 2025

Washington, DC—On November 16, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Resolution 78/2025, granting precautionary measures to protect Moisés Elías Payares Bolaño, his immediate family, and Jesús David Brun Gazabon, after determining that they face a situation of extreme gravity and urgency as their rights to life and personal integrity are at risk of irreparable harm in Colombia.

According to the request, the beneficiaries have been subjected to threats by illegal armed groups, which arose after they were publicly linked to criminal organizations during a public security operation carried out on November 19, 2024, at Finca El Paraíso, where they live and work. Despite having filed complaints before the competent authorities requesting a risk assessment and the adoption of appropriate State protection measures, they were allegedly forced to leave the area.

The State reported that the National Police Force had implemented preventive measures, but that the National Protection Unit (UNP) has not yet conducted the risk assessment. It also indicated that there are ongoing investigations related to the operation described above.

After analyzing the factual and legal arguments presented by both parties, the IACHR observed that the property continues to be subject to armed raids, that the beneficiaries remain displaced, that the preventive measures adopted have been insufficient to deter such incidents, and that there have been delays in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the reported situation.

In light of these findings, the IACHR determined that the proposed beneficiaries’ situation is both grave and urgent. Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that Colombia:

1. adopt the necessary measures to protect the beneficiaries’ rights to life and personal integrity;
2. agree on the protective measures to be implemented in consultation with the beneficiaries and their representatives; and
3. report on any actions taken to investigate the allegations that gave rise to these precautionary measures, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State of Colombia do not constitute a decision on any petitions that may eventually be submitted to the inter-American system concerning alleged violations of the rights protected under the applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 232/25

11:15 AM