A Decade On: Ten Years of Transition and the Continuing Struggle for Justice in Colombia

Despite President Gustavo Petro’s “total peace” strategy, 2025 was marked by one of the worst humanitarian tolls in a decade (Human Rights Watch 2026).

The Colombian Caravana-UK Group, in partnership with Colombian human rights lawyers and defenders, is excited to announce the Ninth International Caravana of Jurists, taking place from 21st to 30th August 2026. This pivotal event aims to shed light on the pressing human rights issues faced by Colombia and offers a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and action.

About the Caravana – The Caravana serves as the nexu for delegates eager to engage with the human rights landscape in Colombia. This edition offers:

Transition Ten Years On: Reflecting on a decade of transitional (in)justice.
Colombia’s Current Landscape: Analysing ongoing issues as the nation strives towards peace, yet continues to grapple with widespread violence affecting rural and marginalised communities, including Indigenous and Afro-Colombian territories.
Gender Dynamics: Addressing the crucial role of women in peacebuilding while tackling obstacles such as gender-based violence and entrenched societal norms.
Ethnic Dynamics: Recognizing the specific challenges faced by Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, such as violence, forced recruitment, displacement, and discrimination.
Everyday Peace: Local approaches to unarmed civilian protection in the absence of institutional guarantees.

Delegation Approach & Objectives – The Ninth Delegation is committed to:

• Understanding the intricate challenges faced by human rights lawyers and defenders.
• Spotlighting the gender and ethnic dynamics intertwined with the escalating violence.
• Engaging in first-hand interviews, dialogues, and collaborations to gain insights and formulate actionable recommendations.
• Advocating for policy reforms, legislative amendments, and structural changes to ensure justice, protect vulnerable populations, and address gender-based violence and corporate accountability.
• Do No Harm: Embody and promoting ethical forms of engagement with local communities, actively mitigating against revictimisation.

Join us in amplifying the voices of those impacted by these challenges, fostering international solidarity, and paving the way for a just and enduring peace in Colombia.

For applications, nominations, or further details, please see our 2026 Delegation Information Guide or contact the Caravana coordinator at colombian.caravana@gmail.com.