On October 2, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of adolescent J.A.R.L and his father, upon considering that they are at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Colombia. The request for precautionary measures alleged that the proposed beneficiary J.A.R.L has been missing since August 21, 2024, after being allegedly kidnapped by the armed group called “Jaime Martínez” in Colombia. Following these events, J.A.R.L.’s father began to receive threats and intimidation while carrying out efforts to search for his son. Although complaints were filed, reportedly no search actions were initiated. The Commission considered the alleged facts in light of the context it has been monitoring in Colombia and acknowledged the commitment expressed by the State in this matter. Nevertheless, it expressed concern over the information presented, especially the absence of confirmation on the effective activation of the urgent search mechanism for the adolescent J.A.R.L, and the lack of protective measures for J.A.R.L’s father or other efforts to support the search. Consequently, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, it requires that Colombia:
On September 27, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Osmary Gabriela Sánchez Chirinos, who is at risk given that she is pregnant, is currently deprived of her Liberty, and is not receiving adequate medical care for her situation. Upon analyzing the request, the Commission took into account not only the Venezuelan context but highlighted that the beneficiary was arrested within the framework of the so-called “Operation Tun Tun,” aimed at arresting individuals who are perceived as opponents of the regime. Furthermore, the Commission highlighted that, prior to being deprived of her liberty, the beneficiary was unaware of the existence of any criminal proceedings or detention orders against her, that a public defender had been assigned to her, and that she had been subjected to threats from her guards, among other situations. The Commission emphasized that the beneficiary’s detention conditions are not adequate, particularly given her pregnancy and the care she requires. Upon analyzing the available information, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that Venezuela:
On September 19, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of G.O.F. and his family members. The request argued that G.O.F., a patrol officer of the Colombian National Police, was subjected to death threats after he delivered explosives to the authorities that were allegedly to be supplied to the National Liberation Army (ELN) by sub-inspector of the Anti-Narcotics Unit. As a result of his refusal to return the explosive material, G.O.F. and his family received threats and were persecuted, which forced them to move several times. For its part, the State reported that an investigation was opened into the threats and that there are internal protection mechanisms available for public officers and witnesses. The IACHR noted that the threats against G.O.F. and his family persist, and that no material protection measures have been adopted to guarantee their safety. It also considered that the leak of G.O.F.’s whereabouts aggravates his situation of vulnerability and puts his entire family at risk. Consequently, in the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measures and requested that the State of Colombia:
On September 19, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of journalist, community and social leader William Stiven Rojas Rincon, considering that he is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Colombia. According to the request, the beneficiary has been receiving death threats and being followed in a sustained manner. The alleged events are allegedly occurring as a direct consequence of his journalistic and social leadership activities. However, no progress has been made in the investigations. On July 17, 2024, the competent judicial authority ordered an additional security detail and ordered the UNP to conduct a new risk assessment. The request reported failures in the implementation of the granted detail and alleged that the new risk assessment study had not been carried out. For its part, the State informed that the risk assessment study has been underway since July 29, 2024 and that the proposed beneficiary purportedly has one ballistic protection vest, one means of communication, one protection person and transportation support. Finally, he indicated that payment of the August transportation support is pending. The Commission valued the work of the beneficiary, the ongoing threatening situations over time, the lack of progress in the investigation and the fact that a new risk assessment is still pending, despite the judicial determination. Therefore, in accordance with the terms of Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, it requested that Colombia:
On September 6, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Nelida del Rosario Sánchez Oropeza, considering that she is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Venezuela. According to the request, the beneficiary is the national training coordinator of the non-governmental organization Súmate, in Venezuela, and was detained on August 26, 2024 by agents of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). On August 28, 2024, she was transferred to an unknown location. It was added that she was suffering from illnesses that would require special care and that, at the moment, there is no news of her state of health and whether she was receiving adequate medical attention. Family members undertook a search effort, going to the SEBIN headquarters in Helicoide, Caracas, to seek news of the whereabouts of the proposed beneficiary. Despite their efforts, the officials did not provide any information. In addition, an attempt was made to file a complaint of forced disappearance, which was not received by the competent authority. Given the lack of response from the State, the Commission has no elements to evaluate the actions that would have been initiated on her behalf.
Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of the Regulations, Venezuela was requested to:
On September 6, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adopted Resolution 63/2024, by which it granted precautionary measures in favor of Biagio Pilieri Gianninoto and Jesús Alfredo Pilieri Vasile after considering that they are in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Venezuela.
After analyzing the submissions of fact and law furnished by the applicants, the Commission observed that in the post-electoral context of Venezuela, and taking into account the applicable prima facie standard, it is proven that the rights to life and personal integrity of the beneficiaries are at serious risk, especially after their detention on August 28, 2024, by SEBIN and since the official whereabouts of Biagio Pilieri are currently unknown. Consequently, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Venezuela:
On September 2, 2024, the IACHR adopted precautionary measures in favor of Eleanger David Navas Vidal. It was indicated that the beneficiary is a community manager of the newspaper Oriental. On August 3, 2024, the beneficiary was deprived of his liberty by members of the Bolivarian National Police (PNB). The family members were informed that Eleanger David was transferred to Yare prison on August 26, 2024. However, at that place, they were informed that the beneficiary was not detained. To date, the beneficiary’s whereabouts are unknown.
At the time of analyzing the request, the Commission highlighted, in addition to the current context in Venezuela, that the detention and subsequent lack of information about the beneficiary’s fate would be closely linked to his role as community manager of the Instagram account of a newspaper whose editorial line is not aligned with the current government. The Commission identified that, since August 26, 2024, his whereabouts are unknown. In addition, his relatives have not been able to obtain official information about his current whereabouts despite the search actions carried out. They have no contact with the beneficiary and have not received any information about any action taken by the assigned public defender.
After analyzing the submissions of fact and law furnished by the applicants, the Commission considered that the beneficiary is in a serious and urgent situation, given that to date his whereabouts are unknown. Consequently, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Venezuela:
On September 2, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights adopted Resolution 61/2024, by which it granted precautionary measures for the benefit of Perkins Rocha Contreras after considering that he is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Venezuela.
The applicants indicated that Perkins Rocha Contreras is the Legal Coordinator of the Vente Venezuela party and representative of the Comando Venezuela before the National Electoral Council. He is a lawyer and personal advisor to María Corina Machado, National Coordinator of the Vente Venezuela party. Perkins Rocha was detained on August 27, 2024, by hooded and armed officers, who, after a strong struggle, allegedly took him away without an arrest warrant. Since then, his official whereabouts are unknown. According to public information, the wife of the proposed beneficiary received a message that Mr. Rocha is at the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), a place where they had previously denied his presence. The family is aware that the proposed beneficiary is charged with various crimes, such as terrorism and treason. However, neither the family nor his trusted lawyer have been able to see him or confirm his legal situation.
After analyzing the submissions of fact and law furnished by the applicants, the Commission considered that the proposed beneficiary is in a serious and urgent situation, given that to date his whereabouts are unknown. Consequently, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Venezuela:
On August 27, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the journalist Ana Carolina Guaita Barreto, upon considering that she is at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Venezuela. According to the request, the proposed beneficiary was arbitrarily arrested on August 20, 2024 and taken to the headquarters of the Directorate of Citizen Security at the Governor’s Office of La Guaira (Dirección de Seguridad Ciudadana de la Gobernación de la Guaira). On August 22, members of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service allegedly transported her to an unknown location. The applicants characterized the situation as a “forced disappearance.” It was added that the beneficiary’s parents are in hiding due to political persecution. For this reason, according to the available information, third parties have made search efforts by visiting the Directorate of Citizen Security at the Governor’s Office of La Guaira to inquire about the proposed beneficiary’s whereabouts. However, they were unable to obtain any information. At the judicial level, an attempt was made to file a writ of habeas corpus, which was reportedly not accepted by the relevant judicial authority. Given the lack of response from the State, the Commission has no elements to assess the actions that may have been initiated in her favor.
The IACHR considered the seriousness of the situation that the proposed beneficiary faces, which is exacerbated by the context in which she is immersed, as well as her complete lack of protection in light of the events she may currently be experiencing, given that her whereabouts are unknown. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, it requested that Venezuela:
On August 24, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of the adolescent S.J.C.A., upon considering that she is at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Colombia. According to the request, the beneficiary has been missing since April 20, 2024, after allegedly being recruited by the illegal armed group of Segunda Marquetalia. The adolescent was able to communicate with her parents through audio and text messages until August 2024. In these messages, she indicated that she was ill, had injuries on her body, and had suffered unspecified punishments for attempting to escape from the location where she is being held. In addition, the attached medical reports indicate that she has alleged health issues and reportedly requires special health care that is not being provided by the reported recruiters. Although reports have been made to various bodies, there have been no search actions. Given the lack of response from the State, the Commission has no elements to assess the actions that may have been initiated in her favor.
The IACHR considered the seriousness of the passage of time under the alleged conditions, the context in which she is immersed, as well as the deterioration of her health and the potential fatal consequences. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, it requested that Colombia:
On August 26, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Rodsman Saadik Molina Ortez, after considering that he is at serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Honduras. The proposed beneficiary is president of the Union of Workers of the Honduran Civil Aeronautics Agency (Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Agencia Hondureña de Aeronáutica Civil, SITRAAHAC). He is reportedly at risk due to threats and acts of violence by third parties allegedly in response to his union activities. Despite having a security detail in his favor, the request alleged implementation failures which were not adequately addressed by the State. In addition, the request mentioned the persistence of the situations which placed him at risk, which included his family members. For its part, the State confirmed the granted security detail and stated that it is coordinating with the relevant authorities on the status of the investigations.
Upon analyzing the submissions of fact and law, the IACHR considered the role of union leader that the proposed beneficiary fulfills, the ongoing situations that have been placing the proposed beneficiary at risk over time, the lack of investigation into these situations, and the absence of adjustments or new risk assessments to accurately outline the protection measures needed. In light of the current context in Honduras, and under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requested that Honduras:
El 26 de agosto de 2024 la CIDH otorgó medidas cautelares a Freddy Francisco Superlano Salinas. Se alegò que Freddy Francisco Superlano Salinas es dirigente político y se desempeña como coordinador nacional del partido Voluntad Popular. El 30 de julio de 2024 en la ciudad de Caracas, el beneficiario fue privado arbitrariamente de su libertad por presuntos agentes del Estado adscritos al Servicio Bolivariano de Inteligencia Nacional (SEBIN). Advirtieron que desde el momento en la que se ejecutó la detención, hasta la actualidad no se conoce el paradero del beneficiario. Tras analizar la información disponible, la CIDH de conformidad con el artículo 25 de su Reglamento, solicitó al Estado de Venezuela que:
On August 23, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to Carmen Leonor García Azuaje. It was informed that Carmen Leonor García Azuaje is secretary of the opposition party “Alianza Bravo Pueblo”. On August 17, 2024 the beneficiary was apprehended in the center of the city of Puerto Ayacucho in Amazonas state by officers of the Strategic Intelligence Division of the Bolivarian National Police. From the moment of her arrest, the whereabouts of the beneficiary is unknown. Therefore, it was alleged that the situation of the beneficiary is one of “forced disappearance”.
The Commission, at the time of evaluating the decision, considered the circumstances that preceded the detention of the beneficiary to be of special importance, in addition to the contextual monitoring of the country carried out by the IACHR. Likewise, the Commission expressed its special concern for the fact that since the moment she was detained by agents of the Bolivarian National Police, her whereabouts are unknown. The Commission highlighted that the beneficiary, in addition to being the secretary of the opposition party “Alianza Bravo Pueblo” in the state of Amazonas, has also been the target of threats and harassment due to her participation as an electoral witness in the July 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela. The Commission considered that the beneficiary is in a total lack of protection against the situations she could be facing at present after her whereabouts are unknown. After analyzing the available information, the IACHR, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, requested that Venezuela:
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) adopted on August 21, 2024, the Follow-up and Extension Resolution 53/2024 regarding the situation of the authorities and members of the Gonzaya and Po Piyuya reservations of the Siona Indigenous People in Colombia (PM-395-18).
In the Resolution, the IACHR analyzed the information provided by the parties, positively evaluating the actions implemented by the State and considered that a risk identified in 2018 persists with respect to the reservations of the Siona Indigenous People. The Commission understands that the reported events are part of the actions of the illegal armed groups to consolidate their presence in the reservations and impose themselves on the indigenous authorities. The Commission also analyzed the situation of the human rights defender L.M.E.V., who has been the object of death threats from armed groups operating in the territory of the Indigenous Reservations. The Commission considered that the beneficiary is in a situation posing a serious risk to her rights to life and personal integrity. After analyzing the submissions of fact and law, the Commission considers that the risk has not ceased and, therefore, in accordance with the terms of Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission:
On August 17, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Frank Kevin Laguna Guevara, Óscar Danilo Parrilla Blandón, and Evelyn Susana Guillén Zepeda, persons deprived of their liberty in Nicaragua, after considering that they are in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Nicaragua. It was alleged that the beneficiaries are being held in the National Penitentiary System “Jorge Navarro” and in the Integral Penal Establishment for Women (EPIM), in poor conditions of detention and without receiving the necessary medical attention for their ailments. In the case of Ms. Evelyn Susana Guillén Zepeda, she suffers from a mental illness after being a victim of sexual violence. Likewise, they face acts of violence such as beatings, mistreatment and intimidation by prison officials. They are also legally vulnerable due to the lack of access to judicial files and the absence of an effective legal defense. For its part, the State did not provide information that would make it possible to determine that the risk factors identified had been duly mitigated. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Nicaragua:
On August 17, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to Roland Oswaldo Carreño Gutiérrez, journalist, political activist, and national leader of the opposition party Voluntad Popular. On August 2, 2024, in Caracas, he was reportedly deprived of his liberty by agents of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN). To date, his whereabouts are unknown and it is estimated that he has been “forcibly disappeared.”
When evaluating the decision, the Commission observed, in addition to the contextual monitoring of Venezuela, the follow-up carried out by the Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression of the IACHR on the situation of the beneficiary after his detention in 2020. The Commission highlighted the context of systematic persecution against the opposition in Venezuela and considered the information indicating that he was allegedly detained by State agents to be of particular concern. It also highlighted the impossibility of activating internal institutions to request protection. The Commission considered that the beneficiary faces a situation of extreme vulnerability as his current location and whereabouts are unknown. The Commission expressed its concern given that the beneficiary’s situation could have a chilling effect on other journalists being able to express themselves freely in the current post-electoral context of the country. After analyzing the available information, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that Venezuela:
On August 13, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Joel Jardines Jardines, who is deprived of liberty in Aguacate, Cuba. It was indicated that he suffers from larynx carcinoma and since 2021 he should have undergone analyses to start a possible chemotherapy treatment. It was alleged that the beneficiary lacks a treatment plan for his ailments and suffered physical repression when he requested medical attention from the authorities. The State did not respond. The IACHR considered the seriousness of the lack of medical attention for a possibly malignant tumor, as well as the deterioration of his health or the eventual fatal consequences, as well as the allegations of repression in response to the beneficiary’s requests for medical attention. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Cuba:
a) adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of Joel Jardines Jardines;
b) take the necessary measures to ensure his detention conditions comply with applicable international standards. In particular, ensuring that the corresponding medical diagnoses are made, that sufficient and timely medical information is provided; and that his medical treatment is defined, with the prior consent of the proposed beneficiary;
c) consult and agree upon the measures to be adopted with the beneficiary and his representatives; and
d) report on the actions taken to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to this resolution, so as to prevent such events from reoccurring.
On August 10, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of María Andreina Oropeza Camacho, after considering that she is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Venezuela. The requesting party alleged that María Andreina Oropeza Camacho, state coordinator of the campaign command of presidential candidate Edmundo González, has been in a situation of “forced disappearance” since August 6, 2024, after having suffered an allegedly arbitrary search of her residence by agents of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM). It was reported that she managed to record and broadcast live, from her social networks, when the State agents raided her residence. Later, her phone was confiscated. They add that her mother has been looking for her in all the detention centers in Guanare and Acarigua, without receiving news of her whereabouts and state of health. The IACHR took into account that the beneficiary was deprived of her liberty by State agents and her whereabouts are unknown to date, in the context of repression during the post-election protests in the country. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, it requested that Venezuela:
On August 2, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Douglas Acevedo Castillo, Anner Herrera, and Geovanny Jaret Guido Morales, deprived of liberty in Nicaragua, after considering that they are in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Nicaragua. It was alleged that the beneficiaries are being held in “La Modelo” prison, in inadequate conditions of detention and without receiving the necessary medical attention for their ailments. They also face acts of violence such as beatings, mistreatment and intimidation by prison officers. They are also legally vulnerable due to the lack of access to judicial files and the absence of an effective legal defense. For its part, the State did not provide information that would make it possible to determine that the risk factors identified had been duly mitigated. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Nicaragua:
On August 2, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of human rights defender Gustavo Yaxón Meletz and his family. The request argued that Yaxón Meletz, leader of the Committee for Peasant Unity (CUC) and representative of the Community Development Council of El Tablón before the municipality of Sololá, was the victim of an armed attack on June 5, 2024, which left him seriously wounded and also caused the death of his father, Marcelo Yaxón Pablo, and the lawyer José Domingo Montejo. The alleged inadequacy of the protection measures in place was highlighted, underlining that the beneficiary was the only witness to the events, which also put his family at risk. The IACHR noted that the current protection detail might not be sufficient to guarantee adequate protection, and emphasized the need to carry out an updated risk study to adjust the protection measures and guarantee the safety of Gustavo Yaxón Meletz and his family. Consequently, pursuant to Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measures and requested that the State of Guatemala:
On August 2, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures in favor of Mirian Aída Reguero Sosa, prosecutor of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Guatemala, and her family, after considering that she is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Guatemala. The requesting party alleged that the beneficiary has been subjected to two armed attacks against her life. In addition to severe bodily injury, the armed attacks resulted in the death of the beneficiary’s then partner, in 2022, and her mother, in 2024. The State indicated that the information on the security detail provided to the beneficiary is classified as confidential; however, it added that this helps to reduce the risk scenarios to which she is exposed. The IACHR considered that the alleged risk has already materialized on two occasions, even with a security detail, which reflects that it was not effective in protecting her. It also noted that the situation of the beneficiary was known by the competent authorities, as well as that no relevant progress was reported in the investigations of the attacks. Consequently, pursuant to Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that the State of Guatemala:
On June 30, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of Fray Pascual Claro Valladares, who is reportedly deprived of his liberty in Cuba. Claro Valladares, detained since August 24, 2022, for participating in peaceful protests, has been transferred between several prisons and subjected to severe conditions of isolation, interrogation and mistreatment. In April 2024, after being sentenced to ten years for sedition, he attempted suicide and was punished with solitary confinement instead of receiving the necessary psychiatric care. Prison authorities have threatened to withdraw all his benefits if he and his mother continue to denounce the violations suffered. The IACHR highlighted his special vulnerability due to his classification as a “counterrevolutionary” and the lack of response from the Cuban State. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measures and requested that the State of Cuba:
On June 28, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of human rights defender J.M.M.B., deprived of his liberty and at risk due to acts of violence against him. Upon analyzing the information furnished by the applicant in the context of Cuba, the Commission considered that J.M.M.B. has been subjected to acts of violence and physical aggression, including an attempted rape. This situation, in the Commission’s opinion, reflects the state of lack of protection in which the proposed beneficiary currently finds himself, and the lack of supervision on the part of the prison authorities. In addition, the Commission noted the difficulties that the proposed beneficiary’s family members have in reporting the threatening situations and that this limitation aggravates his situation of vulnerability. The Commission requested that Cuba:
En 17 de junio de 2024, la CIDH otorgó medidas cautelares a favor de nueve personas privadas de libertad, violadas en sus derechos a la vida, integridad personal y salud, detenidas en condiciones insalubres, sufriendo abusos físicos y psicológicos por parte de agentes penitenciarios, sin acceso a cuidados médicos adecuados, resultando en riesgos significativos y daños irreparables. Por su parte, el Estado, sin embargo, de estar informado, no ha presentado respuesta. La Comisión, tras evaluar las alegaciones, aliado al contexto de represión sistemática en el país y la falta de respuesta del Estado, entiende, a primera vista (prima facie), que están presentes los requisitos de gravedad, urgencia e irreparabilidad.
De acuerdo con el artículo 25 del Reglamento, la Comisión solicita a Nicaragua que:
On June 3, 2024, the IACHR extended precautionary measures in favor of members of the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãe Indigenous People regarding Brazil. According to the request, the beneficiaries inhabit the Caramuru-Paraguaçu Indigenous Land in the south of the state of Bahia and are suffering episodes of violence and threats due to disputes over the definition of their territory, as well as the presence of organized crime groups in them. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to demand that Brazil:
On June 3, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Walner Antonio Ruiz Rivera, after considering that he is in a serious and urgent situation posing a risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Nicaragua. It was alleged that the beneficiary is deprived of his liberty in “La Modelo” prison and despite suffering from a series of health problems, he does not have access to the necessary medical attention or the required medicines. In addition, he is being held in inadequate conditions of detention and is being subjected to acts of violence by prison officers. The Commission also found that the State did not provide any information regarding the measures adopted to mitigate the alleged risk. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Nicaragua:
On May 23, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Sonia Chilgueso Dagua, an indigenous woman, and Diana Montilla Moreno, a lawyer and human rights defender, and their respective families, who are being intimidated, harassed and threatened by armed groups in Colombia. Despite complaints and requests for protection to the authorities, adequate protection measures have not been implemented and there has been no progress in the investigations. The Commission concluded that the beneficiary families are exposed to threats, as well as to being declared military targets, being followed by armed groups, to forced displacement and kidnapping attempts, as in the case of Sonia’s daughter, whose whereabouts are unknown, with allegations that she may have been killed in a confrontation between armed groups. The State’s actions were not sufficient to mitigate the risks, reinforcing the need for the precautionary measures requested. The Commission considered that the matter meets prima facie the requirements of seriousness, urgency and irreparable harm.
In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requires that Colombia:
On May 20, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Víctor Miguel Ángel Moreno, community leader and legal representative of the Community Council of Black Communities of Pueblo Rico. According to the request, Mr. Moreno is at risk due to death threats and intimidation attributed to armed groups operating in the area. When analyzing the request, the Commission took into account the alleged facts in light of the context it has been monitoring in Colombia and assessed the protection measures that have been implemented over time. However, given the nature of the threats, the absence of information on progress in the investigative processes, as well as the need to reinforce the protection measures, it was considered that the risk has not been adequately mitigated.
Pursuant to Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that the State of Colombia:
On May 16, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of journalist Aldemar Solano Cuellar and his son, Aldemar Felipe Solano Obando. The request argued that Solano Cuellar, director of the digital news program “Conexión”, has received death threats from the illegal armed group “Clan del Golfo”, which include details about his residence and family, and extortion demands. The threats have also been directed at his son, who has received similar intimidating calls. Despite complaints and requests for protection, no concrete measures have been implemented to safeguard their safety. The IACHR noted that the threats persist and that Solano Cuellar, after moving for safety, had to return to Villavicencio. The lack of protection has led him to confine himself to his home, affecting his journalistic work. Consequently, pursuant to Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measures and requested that the State of Colombia:
On May 13, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Joel Antonio García Hernández, lawyer and human rights defender, who has been suffering threats and aggression related to his work in defense of people considered “political prisoners” in Venezuela. Despite having filed complaints and requests for protection to the internal authorities, no protection measures have been implemented by State bodies to prevent further attacks, and no progress has been made in the investigations. For its part, the State, although informed, has not submitted a response. The Commission, after evaluating the allegations, as well as the context of hostility in the country against legal defenders and the lack of response from the State, understands, prima facie, that the requirements of seriousness, urgency, and irreparable harm are present.
In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Venezuela:
On May 12, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to D.M.P., political opponent, who has been subjected to beatings, threats and mistreatment, after being deprived of his liberty. It was indicated that he does not receive adequate medical attention for his deteriorating health condition.
The Commission, at the time of evaluating the decision, observed the current conditions of detention of D.M.P., and that the risk factors could be attributed to State agents. For this reason, D.M.P.’s situation of lack of protection is accentuated, not only by the fact that he is classified as a political opponent, but also by the actions taken by the agents responsible for his security to put him at risk. The Commission considered the allegations of collusion between the proposed beneficiary's aggressors and prison officials, in addition to the lack of adequate medical care, to be particularly serious. In addition, the IACHR recognized that the conditions of detention are likely to continue and worsen over time. At the same time, there is no information from the State that would be sufficient to assess whether the alleged situation has been duly mitigated or has disappeared. After analyzing the available information, the IACHR, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, requested that Cuba
On May 11, 2024, the IACHR extended precautionary measures in favor of Marienys Pavó Oñate regarding Cuba. According to the request, Ms. Pavó Oñate is the wife of Julio Alfredo Ferrer Tamayo, member of the Legal Information Center “Cubalex” and beneficiary of these precautionary measures. The representation alleged that she is being subjected to harassment by State agents since Ferrer Tamayo is outside the country, this is so in retaliation for the work that her husband carries out internationally in the field of human rights and with the objective of preventing him from returning to Cuba. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to request that Cuba:
On May 9, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Members of the Tapeba Indigenous People of Caucaia regarding Brazil. According to the request, the beneficiaries are suffering episodes of violence and threats by organized crime and the police, as well as expulsions from their villages in the context of completion of the demarcation of their lands and protection of their territory. Therefore, in terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to require that Brazil:
On April 29, 2024, the IACHR decided to follow up and extend precautionary measures in favor of members of the Venezuelan Program of Education-Action on Human Rights in Venezuela. According to the request, the members of PROVEA are at risk in the context of their work as human rights defenders in the current situation of Venezuela, considering the visibility of the institution and its coordinators, the frequent stigmatizing remarks made by high-ranking State authorities in the media, and the surveillance and monitoring by State agents. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to require that Venezuela:
On April 26, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures to Aniette Gonzalez Garcia, who is deprived of her liberty and at risk due to the lack of adequate medical attention for her health problems in the conditions of detention in which she is being held. At the time of assessing the decision, the IACHR noted the conditions of detention and the lack of specialized medical care, which is aggravated by the insufficient food and supplies according to her current health condition. It also observed that she is being subjected to differential treatment by security agents. After analyzing the available information, the IACHR, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, requested that Cuba
On April 21, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa and ten other persons from the “Puerta de la Montaña” ministry, who are members of the evangelical church “Puerta de la Montaña,” after considering that they are in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Nicaragua. The request for precautionary measures alleged that the beneficiaries are deprived of their liberty in “La Modelo” prison and in the Women’s Comprehensive Correctional Facility and despite suffering from a series of health problems, they do not have access to the necessary medical attention or to the required medicines. In the case of Ms. Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz, she is not receiving post-natal health care and adequate food, after having given birth prior to her detention. In addition, the proposed beneficiaries are said to be in inadequate conditions of detention. The Commission also found that the State did not provide any information regarding the measures adopted to mitigate the alleged risk. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Nicaragua:
On April 10, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Julio César Góngora Millo. It was indicated that Mr. Millo is a human rights activist and has been identified as a “counterrevolutionary” or “dissident” by the State. As a result, he is reportedly suffering threats, intimidation, harassment and surveillance attributed to State agents. In addition to the above, it has been alleged that the beneficiary is being denied medical attention by the State as part of the retaliatory actions against him. After evaluating the available information, the Commission requests that the State of Cuba:
On April 8, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of thirteen territorial authorities, social leaders and defenders of ethnic-territorial rights of the Community Council of the black communities of La Plata Bahía Málaga, located in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca. According to the request, the Community Council has resisted claims of territorial control by illegal armed actors and has been suffering armed incursions by these illegal groups since January 2024. The IACHR highlighted the imminence of the risk, underlining the continuity of the threatening events. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measures and requested that the State of Colombia:
On March 25, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of certain families of the native Kichwa community Santa Rosillo de Yanayacu, located in the district of Huimbayoc, Province and Region of San Martin. According to the request, the leader of the community was murdered in November 2023 and the beneficiaries are at risk due to their work in defense of their collective rights. The IACHR highlighted the imminence of the risk, underlining the recent materialization of the murder of the community leader and the continuity of the threatening events. Consequently, under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR decided to grant the precautionary measure and requested that the State of Peru:
On March 22, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Cindy Vanessa Arenas Fernández and her family. Cindy Vanessa, an indigenous woman, was the victim of an attempted feminicide and is reportedly being threatened and persecuted, along with her family, by the identified aggressor and individuals from his circle. Meanwhile, the State indicated that it had determined the application of protection measures, without specifying which ones and the beginning of their implementation. The Commission, after evaluating the various actions of the State, deemed them insufficient to prevent the threatening events from continuing. Furthermore, Cindy Vanessa continued to be subjected to death threats, surveillance, and persecution. The mentioned events also extended to members of her family.
Pursuant to Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Colombia:
On March 8, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of J. de Jesus Santos Rosales and twelve other members of the Nahua indigenous community of Ayotitlán, who are said to actively participate in actions against mining exploitation in their territory. For this reason, the beneficiaries are reportedly facing continuous threats, intimidation, surveillance, monitoring and other acts of violence by organized crime groups, among other actors. For its part, the State indicated that it is in the best disposition to attend the necessary working meetings to reach satisfactory agreements for the indigenous community of Ayotitlán. In addition, the State indicated that it is willing to establish a coordinated work plan between federal and state authorities to address the problem, especially in light of the allegations of the presence of organized crime groups. The State also reported on the incorporation of some of the beneficiaries into the Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists and the protection measures available to them. Although the Commission valued positively the various actions of the State to address the problem and provide security to the beneficiaries and other members of the Nahua community of Ayotitlán, it also considered that the implementation of the protection measures has not prevented the continuation of threatening events, following the murder of one of the leaders of the community in November 2023. In addition, the beneficiaries have continued to be subject to death threats, threats of disappearance, surveillance at their homes, extortion calls, among others. The aforementioned events have also extended to members of their families.
In accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Mexico:
On March 6, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Carlos Alberto Bojorge Martínez, after considering that he is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to his rights in Nicaragua. The request for precautionary measures alleged that Mr. Carlos Alberto Bojorge Martínez, who is a university student and poet, has been missing since January 1, 2024, after being arrested by police officers. It is alleged that on the day of his arrest, he attended a mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Managua, wearing a shirt of the Virgin Mary, a small Nicaraguan flag and a picture of Monsignor Arnulfo Romero in reference to the state persecution against the Catholic Church in the country. In the evening hours, he was detained by police officers who took him to an unknown destination, presumably without an arrest warrant and without the reasons for his detention being known. The Commission also found that the State did not provide any information on the measures adopted to mitigate the beneficiary’s risk situation, or on the actions taken to determine the beneficiary’s whereabouts or fate. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Nicaragua:
On March 1, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Eddy Antonio Castillo Muñoz, Nelly Griselda López García, and Juan Carlos Baquedano, who are identified or perceived as political opponents of the current Nicaraguan government, after considering that they are in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Nicaragua. The request for precautionary measures alleged that the beneficiaries are deprived of their liberty in different prisons and despite suffering from a series of health problems, they do not have access to the necessary medical attention or medicines. In addition, they are reportedly being held in inadequate conditions of detention and are being subjected to aggression by prison officials. The Commission also found that the State did not provide any information regarding the measures adopted to mitigate the risk faced by the beneficiaries. In accordance with Article 25 of the Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests Nicaragua to:
On February 26, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Brenda Evers Andrew. The request indicates that Ms. Andrew is at risk given the imminent execution of the death penalty. The applicants also submitted a petition alleging violation of several articles of the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man: due process, right to equality before law, right to a fair trial and adequate defense. In particular, the applicants alleged that her trial was loaded with gender-based stereotypes and a discriminatory narrative. For its part, the State reported that it forwarded the request for precautionary measures to the Attorney General of the state of Oklahoma and reaffirmed its position that the Commission lacks authority to require States to take precautionary measures.
Upon analyzing the submissions of fact and law offered, the Commission considers that the information presented shows prima facie that there is a serious and urgent risk of irreparable harm to Ms. Andrew’s rights to life and personal integrity, in accordance with Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure. Furthermore, should Ms. Andrew be executed before the Commission has the opportunity to examine the merits of her petition, any eventual decision would be irrelevant and would cause irreparable harm. Accordingly, the Commission requests that the United States of America:
On January 12, 2024, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of Juan Carlos Hollman, who suffers from colon cancer and does not receive timely and adequate medical attention while in detention in Argentina. According to the applicant, Mr. Hollman has not been receiving cancer treatment for more than 23 months and has a prescription for a pending surgery. Although there are judicial decisions determining the provision of the prescribed medical care, he indicated that there are delays in the granting of medical appointments and appointments for examinations, as well as missed appointments due to lack of transportation. Considering the position of special guarantor of the State in relation to the persons under its custody and that the passage of time without receiving prescribed medical treatment may lead to a worsening of their health situation, and eventually, the death of the patient, the IACHR decided to grant precautionary measures under the terms of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure. Therefore, it requested that Argentina:
On January 13, 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) decided to grant precautionary measures in favor of the sitting Justice of the Constitutional Court, Leyla Susana Lemus Arriaga, after considering that she is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Guatemala. The request for precautionary measures alleged that on December 11, 2023, the National Civil Police (PNC) patrol car located in front of the beneficiary’s home was set on fire by third parties and that this incident was related to her work as a Justice. The Commission considered that the events of December 11, 2023, occurred when PNC agents were not providing protection to the proposed beneficiary, due to her reassignment by orders of the institution itself and despite the protection detail determined by the State itself. Similarly, the Commission considered that the change in the said security detail was carried out in an uncoordinated manner with the proposed beneficiary and that the State did not designate replacement agents to continue with its proper implementation. Consequently, in accordance with the provisions of Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requested that the State of Guatemala:
On January 13, 2024, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in favor of Irma Elizabeth Palencia Orellana after considering that she is in a serious and urgent situation presenting a risk of irreparable harm to her rights in Guatemala. According to the request, Ms. Palencia Orellana, in her capacity as a sitting justice of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Guatemala (TSE), is being followed, monitored, threatened, and subjected to other events placing her at risk in the exercise of her position, given the current context of the country. Therefore, based on Article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that the State of Guatemala: