Colombia: The State must provide reparations as ordered by the Inter-American Court

Bogota/Geneva – 15 September 2025 - Four years after the Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued its ruling in the case of Jineth Bedoya Lima et al. vs. Colombia1, the Global Survivors Fund calls for the State of Colombia to carry out the reparation measures ordered by the court without further delay. 

While 25 years have elapsed since journalist Jineth Bedoya suffered grave violations of her human rights, Colombia continues to fail to effectively implement a large part of the reparation measures ordered - particularly those related to the obligation to investigate, prosecute, and punish the perpetrators of these crimes, and those aimed at promoting and protecting the work of other women journalists.  

Reparation for victims of sexual violence is a right that cannot be postponed. As shown during the most recent court hearing on 11 September in Bogotá, the delays in fulfilling the reparation measures not only disregard a legal mandate but also deepens the pain and prolongs the violence that victims have been forced to endure. Repeated non-compliance perpetuates the message that reparation for victims of sexual violence can be postponed indefinitely.  

The unjustified delay in the investigation calls into question the State’s capacity and willingness to implement the judicial order, and undermines the State obligation to guarantee non-repetition. The delays on the creation of the Centre “It’s not time to remain silent” and the Fund for Women Journalists are also inexcusable. Responsible authorities must take action, adjusting procedures when needed. 

The Global Survivors Fund, as an organisation dedicated to enhancing the right to reparation for victims of conflict-related sexual violence worldwide, calls on the Colombian State to comply swiftly. Reparation measures must be implemented with the participation of the victim and under conditions of dignity and respect, without imposing excessive or exhausting burdens that undermine the very purpose of reparation. 

For media enquiries, please contact: shammond@globalsurvivorsfund.org