Bogotá, Colombia — While Colombia has made strides in the fight for equality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender-diverse (LGBT) communities, a recent assessment by a United Nations expert highlights the persistent issues of discrimination and violence against these groups.
Graeme Reid, the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity, concluded his fact-finding mission in various Colombian cities. In his report, Reid acknowledged the government’s efforts in promoting equality and implementing legal reforms. However, he emphasized that the gap between institutional achievements and the everyday reality faced by LGBT individuals remains significant.
“Many LGBT individuals continue to endure discrimination and violence daily, with particular severity for transgender women and those subjected to multiple forms of marginalization, such as migrants and Indigenous persons,” Reid stated.
Reid’s mission coincided with growing international scrutiny regarding Colombia’s human rights landscape. A recent report from the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances highlighted the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances, especially in areas controlled by illegal armed factions. This crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including migrants, activists, and members of the LGBT community.
Further complicating the situation, a report issued by ABColombia and local organizations in November 2024 drew attention to the heightened violence faced by women, girls, and the LGBTQI+ community. This document illustrated how decades of conflict in Colombia have entrenched gender-based violence as a grim part of daily life, primarily impacting Afro-Colombian and Indigenous women. Alarmingly, the report noted extreme brutality in attacks against LGBT individuals and the tragic rise in killings of women human rights defenders.
“Targeting those fighting for equality, including LGBT advocates, is a devastating setback and a substantial hurdle to achieving real progress,” Reid warned. He stressed the need for thorough data collection, collaborative efforts from civil society, and a comprehensive approach that transcends mere legislative measures to tackle the underlying issues of inequality and social stigma.
Reid’s findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026, marking an important step in advocating for systemic change in Colombia.
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