IACHR grants precautionary measures in favor of journalist and human rights defender Segundo Bolívar Madroñero Hernández in Colombia

January 3, 2025

Washington, DC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 106/2024 on December 31, 2024, to grant precautionary measures in favor of Segundo Bolívar Madroñero Hernández and his sons in Colombia, in the belief that they face a serious, urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm to their rights to life and personal integrity.

According to the request for these precautionary measures, Madroñero Hernández—an independent journalist and human rights defender who leads the digital media outlet Anticorrupción Nariño Colombia—has for several years been subjected to threats, harassment, and attacks linked to his complaints over corruption and drug trafficking in southwestern Colombia. Recent incidents have included attacks using explosives, attempts to run him over, intimidating pamphlets, and the presence of suspicious individuals near his home. These incidents have also affected his sons, who are facing risks linked to their father's job.

The State noted that, based on several risk assessments conducted since 2016, Madroñero Hernández is being protected by the National Protection Unit (UNP), with means including one bodyguard, one bulletproof vest, and one support button. The State further said that the National Police has implemented a scheme known as "Plan Padrino", along with neighborhood watches, and that 31 investigations are currently ongoing concerning the threats mentioned in this case.

The IACHR noted the measures reported by the State, but said they had proved insufficient to mitigate the risks. Further, the IACHR said that a pattern persisted including threats and harassment against the journalist and his family, as shown by recent attacks that made it clear that this situation is urgent. The IACHR also noted that threats seek to silence Madroñero Hernández' reporting efforts, which not only affects his safety by also his right to freedom of expression.

The IACHR expressed concern about delays in the adoption of concrete measures and in moves to conduct risk assessments, which has made the beneficiaries more vulnerable.

In keeping with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR asked the State of Colombia to take the following action:

1. Adopt any measures necessary to protect the beneficiaries' rights to life and personal integrity
2. Take any measures necessary to enable Madroñero Hernández to do his work as a journalist without being subjected to threats, harassment, or any other acts of violence for doing such work
3. Come to an agreement with the beneficiaries and their representatives concerning any measures that need to be taken
4. Report on any actions adopted to investigate the events that gave rise to the adoption of these precautionary measures, in order to prevent such events from happening again in the future

The fact that these precautionary measures have been granted and their adoption by the State do not entail a prejudgment on a potential petition that may be filed before the inter-American system to allege violations of rights protected by the applicable instruments.

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. 004/25

12:30 PM