I express my grave concern at the attempted killing of Jesús Enrique Andrade and regarding the physical and psychological integrity and security of Arie Aragón and other members of UOAFRAC, as well as their families. The events appear to be directly connected to their human rights activities, in particular concerning the rights of Afro-Colombians.

William Gomes Global News Centre Human Rights Ambassador

(LONDON)  On 8 January 2015, at approximately 7:25 pm, Mr Jesús Enrique Andrade, driver of Mr Arie Aragón, the President of the Unidad de Organizaciones Afro Caucanas – UOAFROC (Unit of Afro-Caucanian Organisations), was the victim of an attempted killing outside the home of the human rights defender.

Presidente de la República
Palacio de Nariño
Carrera 8 No.7-26
Bogotá
Colombia
Fax: +57 1 596 0631 / 566 2071
Salutation: Dear President Santos/ Excmo Sr. Presidente Santos
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Your Excellency,

I am William Nicholas Gomes, Human Rights Ambassador for Global News Centre.

I would like to draw your attention to the following case.

On 8 January 2015, at approximately 7:25 pm, Mr Jesús Enrique Andrade, driver of Mr Arie Aragón, the President of the Unidad de Organizaciones Afro Caucanas – UOAFROC (Unit of Afro-Caucanian Organisations), was the victim of an attempted killing outside the home of the human rights defender.

UOAFROC is a non-governmental organisation that promotes the rights of Afro-Colombians in relation to democracy, public participation, land, culture and sustainable development. Jesús Enrique Andrade has worked as a driver for UOAFROC for two years.

While Jesús Enrique Andrade was waiting for Arie Aragón in a vehicle bearing UOAFROC’s logo, two armed men entered the vehicle and shot him three times, hitting him in the head. Jesús Enrique Andrade was taken to hospital and put into an induced coma, before undergoing two operations. He is currently in a stable condition in hospital.

Arie Aragón and other members of UOAFROC have been the victims of threats in the past, including death threats and threatening text messages. They were also declared to be military objectives by the paramilitary group ‘Los Rastrojos Comando Urbanos’.

I express my grave concern at the attempted killing of Jesús Enrique Andrade and regarding the physical and psychological integrity and security of Arie Aragón and other members of UOAFRAC, as well as their families. The events appear to be directly connected to their human rights activities, in particular concerning the rights of Afro-Colombians.

I urge the authorities in Colombia to:

1. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the attempted killing of Jesús Enrique Andrade, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Take all necessary measures to guarantee the physical and psychological integrity and security of Jesús Enrique Andrade whilst he remains in hospital, Arie Aragón and all members of UOAFROC, including by reinforcing existing protection measures;

3. Guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in Colombia are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.

- See more at: http://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/27918/action#sthash.OjEvXVoR.dpuf

Yours sincerely,

____________________________________________

Human Rights Ambassador William Nicholas Gomes is a Bangladeshi journalist, human rights activist. As an investigative journalist has written widely for leading European and Asian media outlets. William Gomes concentrates on humanity; his advocacy of human beings in dangerous, preventable circumstances does in fact lead to some of our most vital reports, because they give a voice to the voiceless.
William Gomes said, “I am against any form of intolerance alongside xenophobia and antisemitism. I am and will always stand strong in combating all forms of racial discrimination and intolerance any where.” Read his letters and reports to see what the new generation of world journalists are doing to preserve human rights worldwide.