EU-Colombia : Joint Statement on the XVI Human Rights Dialogue

The XVI Human Rights Dialogue between the European Union and Colombia took place on 1 December 2025 in Brussels. The dialogue was chaired on the EU side by EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, and on the Colombian side by Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, His Excellency Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, joining from Bogota, accompanied by Presidential Counsellor for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of Colombia, Lourdes Castro, present in Brussels.

During the Dialogue, the EU and Colombia reaffirmed their shared commitment to human rights and to intensifying their close and long-standing cooperation at bilateral and multilateral level in this regard. 

The EU and Colombia held a fruitful exchange on the situation of human rights globally. They reaffirmed adherence to the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, respect for international law, and support for the invaluable role of the UN, including the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia. 

Reference was made to the recently celebrated bilateral dialogue on drugs, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to address the situation of drugs based on the principle of shared responsibility and with a focus on human rights and international humanitarian law.

The two sides addressed topics of shared interest, including the protection of journalists and human rights defenders, gender equality and women rights, LGBTI, Indigenous Peoples and people of African descent, migrants and refugees. They exchanged on their respective challenges as well as policies and actions to enhance the protection of those in most vulnerable situations, including people affected by armed conflict. The parties committed to intensifying the fight against child recruitment and the EU reaffirmed its continued support for the peace process and transitional justice in Colombia. 

Within the framework of the shared interest in protecting democracy, fighting against political violence, information manipulation and interference, is a key priority for both sides. The EU provided an update on its ongoing work to promote stronger and more resilient democracies, free media and a vibrant civil society. Colombia shared insights on the measures taken to guarantee a safe electoral process and the protection of all candidates in view of the upcoming elections in the country. Colombia also highlighted the EU willingness to observe the elections of 2026, after the formal invitation of the Colombian authorities.

The EU and Colombia emphasized their shared commitment to address the adverse effect of climate change and environmental degradation on human rights, and to promote and guarantee labour rights and responsible business practices.

The Dialogue was preceded by a Civil Society Seminar held on 24 November in Bogotá organised by the EU Delegation to Colombia with the participation of Colombian and European civil society representatives. 

The EU and Colombia agreed to organise the next EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue in Bogotִá D.C., Colombia in 2026.