IACHR issues precautionary measures in favor of the Marín Marín brothers in Colombia

January 6, 2022

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 110/2021 on December 31, 2021, granting precautionary measures in favor of John Fernando Marín Marín and Fredemyr Alberto Marín Marín, in Colombia, after considering that they face a serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to their rights.

According to the request, John Fernando was the coordinator of medical missions in Cali, within the framework of the National Strike that took place in Colombia since April 28, 2021, and as a result of this work, he was being threatened and harassed. On another note, his brother Fredemyr Alberto Marín Marín has been missing since November 10, 2021, and his disappearance is reportedly related to the situation against John Fernando. In view of this, the State reported on various complaints received for these events and the case files opened by the competent authorities for their investigation. The Commission assessed the information received in light of the current context in Colombia, especially the situation of social leaders and human rights defenders in areas affected by violence, as well as the polarization in the framework of the National Strike, with special emphasis against medical personnel.

In this regard, the IACHR considered the available information that indicates that no measures have been adopted to protect John Fernando, despite the serious threatening events that have persisted since the National Strike. With respect to Fredemyr Alberto, the Commission took note of the lack of information on his situation or whereabouts since November 10 and concluded that both of them are in a serious and urgent situation, given that their rights to life and personal integrity are at risk.

Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requested that the State of Colombia adopt the necessary measures to determine the situation and whereabouts of Fredemyr Alberto Marín Marín, in order to protect his rights to life and personal integrity; guarantee effective search actions through its specialized mechanisms created for such purposes; adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and integrity of John Fernando Marín Marín and his family; and report on the actions taken to investigate the alleged facts that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure, so as to prevent them from reoccurring.

The granting of the precautionary measure and its adoption by the State do not constitute prejudgment about a possible petition before the inter-American system alleging violations of the rights safeguarded in the American Convention on Human Rights or applicable instruments.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 001/22

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