This report, published in advance of the review of Colombia’s human rights record by the UN Committee on the Elimination of of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW Committee) at its 72nd Session, documents human rights violations committed against Afro-Colombian women and their communities, and makes concrete recommendations for change. Produced by feminist leaders in Proceso de Comunidades Negras (PCN) (Black Communities Process) and MADRE, it begins with a discussion on the need for meaningful inclusion of Afro-descendant women in Colombia's peace implementation process. It also describes threats and attacks against Afro-descendant women human rights defenders; sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) committed against Afro-descendant people; lack of access to justice and to adequate healthcare for Afro-descendant survivors of SGBV; and the need for greater protection of land and collective territorial rights for Afro-descendant women and their communities. Afro-descendant women, including Sofía Garzon of PCN, testified before the CEDAW Committee in advance of its hearing with the Colombian government, providing further details on human rights conditions, including the wrongful arrest and continued imprisonment of Afro-descendant women human rights defenders Sara Quiñonez and Tulia Marys Valencia.
