IACHR issues follow-up and extension resolution about precautionary measures in favor of the La Plata Bahía Málaga Community Council in Colombia

January 22, 2026

Washington, DC—On January 19, 2026, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted Follow-up and Extension Resolution 4/2026, concerning the situation of members of the La Plata Bahía Málaga Community Council in Colombia. The beneficiaries had been granted precautionary measures in 2024 (MC 73-24).

In Resolution 4/2026, the IACHR assessed the current risks faced by Community Council members in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. The IACHR found that the violence that had originally led to the adoption of precautionary measures had intensified, amid a territorial dispute among several illegal armed groups who resort to threats, extorsion, harassment, and other forms of violence to exert control. In particular, the Commission noted that these groups strategically seek to control maritime mobility, which is essential in the life of this community.

The IACHR expressed concern about the murder of Alan Valencia, a young Community Council member and a member of the immediate family of one of the beneficiaries. Valencia was killed in September 2025, which shows the risks and the increased violence faced by this Council. In this context, the IACHR decided to continue to monitor the precautionary measures it granted in 2024, and also to expand them.

The IACHR acknowledged State efforts to implement protection measures including consultation and follow-up meetings, material protection measures, investigations, and a workshop about collective risks. The IACHR further stressed commitments made in terms of ensuring that the Infantry Brigade in present on the ground, assessing the option of increasing police personnel at the Juanchaco police station, supporting Community Council boats with relevant technology, and launching talks to develop a navigation strategy.

However, the IACHR found that the risks persist and that it is necessary to reinforce protection measures and other forms of action, as well as to establish an implementation roadmap or a clear timeline to ensure those measures are effective.

After assessing the legal and factual allegations in this case, and in keeping with Article 25 of the its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR asked the State of Colombia to take the following action:

1. Reinforce the implementation of all necessary measures to effectively protect the lives and personal integrity of the beneficiaries identified in resolution 19/2024
2. Extend precautionary measures in favor of all members of the La Plata Bahía Málaga Community Council and adopt any culturally appropriate measures necessary to protect the beneficiaries’ lives and personal integrity (particularly collective measures that enable effective protection of Community Council members)
3. Implement all protection measures required for beneficiaries to be able to continue to do their work in defense of human rights without suffering threats, intimidation, harassment, and other acts of violence
4. Come to an agreement with the beneficiaries and/or their representatives concerning any measures that need to be taken
5. Report on any actions adopted to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to the adoption of these precautionary measures, in order to prevent such events from happening again in the future

The IACHR is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly who serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 013/26

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