Yusifredo Alvarado Arguello, a prominent social leader and human rights advocate from Sabana de Torres, Santander, remains hospitalized after being injured during a shooting on the early morning of December 25. The attack occurred when two armed men on a motorcycle fired multiple shots at him, hitting him in the abdomen. Alvarado was initially taken to the Integrated Hospital of Sabana de Torres before being transferred to the University Hospital of Santander, where he is currently under medical observation.
The mayor of Sabana de Torres, Darío Buchenicow, spoke with Blu Radio about the incident, expressing relief at Alvarado's stable condition. "It’s very unfortunate to wake up to this news, but fortunately, he is out of danger," Buchenicow stated. Alvarado, known for his dedication to environmental causes, had recently reported receiving threats against his life via social media. Just hours before the attack, he had been distributing gifts to the community, emphasizing his commitment to local welfare.
The police have initiated coordinated efforts involving the Criminal Investigation and Police Intelligence sections to investigate the shooting. They are collecting evidence from the scene, analyzing security camera footage, and gathering witness testimonies to identify the assailants.
The attack against Alvarado is part of a worrying trend faced by social leaders across Colombia. Recent reports indicate a surge in violence against these individuals, with alarming incidents occurring just days before Alvarado's shooting. On December 21, Diego Tulante, a community leader from Buga, Valle del Cauca, was murdered near a rural school, and on December 19, Fabio Alex Ortega Acero, a lawyer and human rights defender from Norte de Santander, was killed by hitmen. Similarly, Alexander Picué Tenorio, an indigenous leader and teacher from Cauca, was also murdered shortly thereafter.
Organizations like Indepaz have documented these violent incidents, emphasizing the continued threats faced by vulnerable communities and leaders. They call attention to the need for immediate action from the government to protect those advocating for human rights.
The plight of Alvarado and his counterparts has caught the attention of international organizations as well. The United Nations has condemned the violence against social leaders, including recent attacks occurring on December 24 against Orgenis Viera and Neider Escué Coicué. Viera, a deputy from the Assembly of Cauca and prominent leader of Fensuagro, was targeted when armed individuals stole her vehicle. Escué, the coordinator of guards for the San Francisco indigenous reserve, was shot at, demonstrating the difficulty and danger faced by those advocating for their communities.
"We call on the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to investigate and sanction those responsible for these crimes," the UN emphasized through its social media channels. They have urged for reinforced protective measures, particularly for those on the frontline of human rights advocacy. The UN’s message was directed to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Vice President Francia Márquez, Interior Minister Juan Fernando Cristo, the National Protection Unit (UNP), and the Attorney General's Office, calling for tangible actions to safeguard those at risk.
While the investigation following Alvarado's attack continues, there is growing acknowledgment among human rights defenders and social organizations about the urgent need to improve security strategies for those affected by violence.
The violent circumstances surrounding social leadership raise serious questions about the effectiveness of current protective measures and the government’s commitment to providing safety to individuals like Alvarado. The persistent threats and targeted attacks against leaders advocating for human rights not only jeopardize their lives but also pose risks to the very communities they serve and represent.
With each passing incident, it becomes increasingly imperative for the Colombian government to bolster its efforts, ensuring social leaders feel safe and supported rather than threatened as they work tirelessly to uplift their communities.
