24th September 2025

Access to justice without discrimination in Colombia

This report provides a critical lens on how the Colombian justice system continues to fail survivors of sexual violence, especially those who are Afro-descendant, Indigenous, or disabled, by reproducing structural discrimination. Drawing on laws, court rulings, interviews, and survivor testimony, it uncovers the systemic barriers that prevent access to justice and calls for urgent reforms. More than a diagnosis, this report offers actionable recommendations to align public institutions with international human rights standards. It’s a key tool for decision-makers, activists, and communities advocating for equality and accountability.

What’s inside the report?

The report provides a detailed analysis of access to justice for survivors of sexual violence in Colombia, with a specific focus on Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and disabled girls, adolescents, and women. It evaluates the compatibility of Colombia’s legal framework and judicial practices with international human rights standards.

It includes:

  • Legal and policy review
  • Mapping of institutional gaps
  • Analysis of representative court rulings
  • In-depth interviews and testimonies
  • Barriers and progress across justice procedures
  • Evidence-based recommendations

Who’s it for?

  • Government officials
  • Justice system operators
  • Traditional Indigenous authorities and Afro-Colombian Community Councils
  • Civil society organisations and activists
  • Global audiences and international allies

Key takeaways and recommendations

  • Reform laws, protocols, and procedures to align with international human rights standards and eliminate structural barriers to justice.
  • Guarantee accessible, inclusive, and culturally appropriate justice for Afro-descendant, Indigenous, and disabled survivors.
  • Eliminate discriminatory practices and stereotypes in judicial procedures.
  • Invest in institutional strengthening and anti-racist, anti-ableist training for public officials.
  • Recognise and support the justice systems of the Special Indigenous Jurisdiction that protect the rights of women.

The full report outlines detailed steps that Colombian authorities, traditional justice actors, and civil society can take to ensure justice without discrimination.

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