Despite the regulatory and jurisprudential advances in strengthening the rights of people with diverse sexual orientation and gender identity (OSIGD) in Colombia, the Ombudsman’s Office found that the Violations against this population persist at both the institutional and social levels.
The human rights organization revealed that, between January and May 2024, it dealt with 286 cases of violence against this population, in different regions of the country. Of the total number of cases, Psychological violence accounted for 55% of cases, while physical violence accounted for 27%.
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These data are compared with the figures recorded in the report ‘An X-ray of Prejudice 2023’, where 480 cases of violence due to prejudice were recorded that year. This report highlighted that 52.6% of the cases corresponded to psychological violence and 23% to physical violence.
For its part, Colombia Diversa presented in 2022 up to 426 cases of violence against the Lgbti+ populationwhich is why the number of violence against this population has been significant in recent years.
Given the worrying situation, the Ombudsman’s Office stressed the need for the State, institutions and citizens to work together to improve the promotion and guarantee of the rights of this population throughout the national territory.
He also considered it necessary update the National LGBTI Public Policy and urgently issue the 2023-2027 Action Planand. To this end, he pointed out that all entities in the health, protection, justice and other sectors must qualify their work teams to ensure more effective care for victims of violence due to prejudice. In particular, the Ombudsman called on the Ministry of the Interior and the Lgbtiq+ Directorate, attached to the Ministry of Equality and Equity, to act promptly.
In the framework of the International LGBT Pride Day, the Ombudsman reiterated its rejection of any act of discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation, identity and gender expression. The entity described these acts as a violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms.and urged state institutions, the national government, local and departmental authorities and society as a whole to advance in actions that will allow this form of violence to be eradicated.
The Ombudsman’s Office stressed that “only through the capacity, leadership and mobilization of the Osidg-Lgbti population can solid foundations for peace in the country be built”; and recalled that said population is recognized as a subject of special protection by the State, which implies that its defense and promotion must be a continuous and concerted objective, thus contributing to the construction of a lasting and just peace.
Lgbti Pride Day is celebrated annually on June 28 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, a milestone in the fight for the rights of the Lgbti community. This day is characterized by demonstrations, marches and events that seek to make visible and demand sexual and gender diversity, as well as promote equality and respect.
The celebrations are often accompanied by cultural activities, conferences and educational sessions that address issues such as discrimination, civil rights and legislative advances in different parts of the world. Reports and studies are also published that analyse the current situation of the LGBTI community, highlighting both the achievements made and the pending challenges at a global level.
In many cities, Pride is manifested with multicolored parades that run through the main streets, with the participation of various organizations, companies and public figures that support the cause.This day is an opportunity for the LGBTI community and its allies to unite in a global demand for a more inclusive and fair world.
