Gender-Based Violence by Armed Groups in Colombia: Documented Patterns

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Photo: Colombia - jessicadally

Colombia gender-based violence by armed groups is a documented pattern extending across the historic conflict and continuing into the post-2016 period. The Truth Commission's Final Report (2022) documented systematic sexual violence by all armed actors — FARC, ELN, paramilitary AUC, state security forces. Furthermore, the JEP (Special Jurisdiction for Peace) has opened "macro-case 11" specifically on sexual violence in the armed conflict. As a result, the gender violence dimension of Colombian armed conflict is judicially and historically recognised. Asylum claims by Colombian women survivors have robust country evidence base. This article documents the patterns and implications.[1]

Related: Colombia HR report.

Documented Patterns

The Truth Commission and other bodies document systematic gender violence patterns: (1) Rape — by all armed actors, in conflict zones; (2) Sexual slavery — particularly of recruited women and girls; (3) Forced abortion — of pregnant combatants in some groups; (4) Forced contraception — within armed groups; (5) Forced "marriage" or partnership with combatants; (6) Targeting of women leaders specifically through sexual violence; (7) Use of CRSV as displacement tactic; (8) Domestic violence facilitated by armed group impunity; (9) LGBT+ targeted gender-based violence; (10) Trafficking enabled by conflict displacement. Furthermore, indigenous and Afro-Colombian women face disproportionate risks. As a result, the patterns are multiple and documented.[2]

The Truth Commission Findings

The Colombian Truth Commission's Final Report (June 2022) included a specific volume on "My body is the truth: experiences of women and LGBTIQ+ people in the armed conflict." Furthermore, the Commission documented systematic CRSV by all armed actors and identified patterns including: ethnic and class dimensions; specific targeting of women leaders; sexual violence as instrument of social control. The Commission's recommendations include accountability and reparations. As a result, the Truth Commission's findings provide authoritative country evidence. Therefore, asylum claims should cite the Final Report.[3]

"Sexual violence in the Colombian armed conflict has been used systematically as a weapon — by all armed actors — to terrorise communities, control populations, and punish women for their resistance, leadership, or independence."Truth Commission of Colombia, Final Report (June 2022)

JEP Macro-Case 11

The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) opened Macro-Case 11 in 2023, specifically on gender-based violence and crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the armed conflict. Furthermore, the case examines both FARC and state agent perpetrators. As a result, JEP proceedings produce ongoing documentation of CRSV. The JEP framework provides transitional justice — both truth and reduced sentences for perpetrators who provide truth and reparations. Therefore, JEP rulings provide additional country evidence for asylum claims.[4]

Post-2016 Patterns

Despite the Peace Agreement, gender-based violence by armed groups continues. (1) FARC dissidents commit sexual violence in their territories; (2) Clan del Golfo and successor paramilitaries continue patterns; (3) ELN sexual violence continues, especially in Catatumbo; (4) Women social leaders face gender-specific persecution; (5) Recruitment of girls includes sexual exploitation. Furthermore, the Colombian Defensoría del Pueblo Early Warning System documents continuing risks. As a result, contemporary Colombian gender violence asylum claims are well-supported. Therefore, asylum analysis should engage with post-2016 patterns.[5]

Indigenous and Afro-Colombian Women

Indigenous and Afro-Colombian women face compounded risks. (1) Geographic location (Cauca, Chocó, Pacific coast) places them in armed conflict areas; (2) Cultural marginalisation makes them disproportionately targets; (3) Limited state protection in these regions; (4) Compounded social stigma after violence. Furthermore, the Constitutional Court's Auto 092 (2008) specifically addressed displaced women's protection needs. As a result, indigenous and Afro-Colombian women's asylum claims combine multiple grounds (race + gender + region). Therefore, intersectional analysis is essential.[6]

State Response

The Colombian state has formal frameworks for gender violence: (1) Law 1257 of 2008 — Comprehensive law on women's right to a life free of violence; (2) Specialised gender prosecutors; (3) Sisma Mujer and other civil society organisations; (4) Reparations programmes for CRSV victims. Furthermore, the Petro government has emphasised gender violence response. However: implementation is uneven; impunity for CRSV is high; victim support is limited; specialised services are concentrated in cities. As a result, formal frameworks do not produce adequate protection. Therefore, the Horvath test is generally not met for Colombian women survivors.[7]

Asylum Implications

Colombian women's gender violence asylum claims engage: particular social group (e.g., "Colombian women survivors of armed group sexual violence"); imputed political opinion (where violence linked to women's activism or perceived political stance); race/ethnicity (for indigenous and Afro-Colombian women). Furthermore, UNHCR Gender Guidelines (GIP-01, 2002) provide framework. As a result, well-evidenced Colombian women's claims are robust. Therefore, specialist legal representation and medical evidence should be priorities.[8]

Survivors of sexual violence by FARC, ELN, AUC or state forces need evidence linking their account to the documented patterns, which our Colombia country expert witness reports provide.

Conclusion: A Documented Crisis

Gender-based violence by Colombian armed groups is a documented historical and continuing pattern. Furthermore, the Truth Commission, JEP, Constitutional Court, and international bodies have all recognised the systematic nature of the violence. As a result, Colombian women's asylum claims rooted in armed conflict gender violence have strong country evidence base. Therefore, decision-makers should engage with the gender violence dimension as a substantive feature of Colombian asylum law.