Colombia: Protect women searchers

The Fundación Nydia Erika Bautista (FNEB) is a group of women searchers fighting for justice and supporting the families of those who have disappeared. On October 24, during a private gathering with women searchers and officials, suspicious activity was reported. Later, the organization’s email faced a hacking attempt.

This isn’t the first time FNEB has encountered such threats. Authorities must take action to prevent future incidents. The Attorney General’s Office needs to investigate these threats and, following due process, hold those responsible accountable.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Attorney General of Colombia urging the authorities to:

• Diligently investigate these acts and identify those responsible.
• Ensure justice is served through fair trials for those involved.
• Take necessary steps to prevent future attacks on human rights defenders and those searching for victims of enforced disappearance.

A family’s fight for justice

Yanette Bautista is the sister of Nydia Erika Bautista, who was forcibly disappeared by the XX Brigade of the Colombian National Army on August 30, 1987. After years of searching for Nydia and challenging impunity, Yanette and her family founded the Nydia Erika Bautista Foundation (FNEB).

The foundation’s mission was inspired by the family’s painful journey and their desire to help others impacted by forced disappearance. Yanette and her family initially fled Colombia due to threats against them for their activism, but they continued their work in exile. In 1999, human rights defenders from Germany, Switzerland, Colombia, and Mexico joined them in Geneva, Switzerland, to formalize the organization.

The foundation’s identity and mission

In 2007, the Bautista family returned to Colombia and formally established FNEB. The organization supports families of enforced disappearance victims, with a focus on female family members who lead these searches. FNEB’s unique identity reflects two core commitments: first, the pursuit of truth and justice for Nydia and other victims; and second, the rights and safety of women.

Today, FNEB provides legal, emotional, and educational support to victims across Colombia, assisting in 519 cases. The foundation’s efforts led to the passing of Law 2364 in 2024, which grants protections to women searchers, drawing from FNEB’s years of documented experiences.

Urgent need for protection

Amnesty International has closely monitored the threats, risks, and attacks facing FNEB. These recent incidents are not isolated—they echo a history of intimidation and could signal escalating violence against FNEB and other women searchers.

In July 2024, the Colombian Congress enacted a law to protect women searchers’ rights, but the law must lead to real change. Authorities must prioritize investigating threats against FNEB and take steps to safeguard these courageous women fighting for justice.

Please take action as soon as possible until November 30, 2024! The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.