The School of Law and Political Science at the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) commemorated National Human Rights Day with a day of reflection on the work of human rights defenders in Santander. The event was attended by experts, who shared their experiences and research findings.
“This is a very important date on which we seek to recognize the work of those who defend human rights and those who have been forced to give their lives for this cause. That is why, for the School of Law and Political Science, it is a special day on which we recognize those who protect the land, water, and life,” said Javier Alejandro Acevedo Guerrero, director of the School.
The panelists and participants thanked the university for opening this space, which allowed them to talk with students and attendees about the risks that human rights defenders face on a daily basis in the department.
“This event is essential to highlight the work of all those who defend human rights, who have historically been threatened. The aim is to raise awareness of their daily lives, as they are not only activists but also people who fulfill other roles like any other citizen. It also raises awareness of the alarming increase in the number of murders of defenders by illegal groups,” said Juan Arenas, an analyst at the Peace and Human Rights Observatory of the Compromiso Corporation.
For law school students, it was an enriching experience that contributed to their academic training through highly relevant testimonies.
“These events are very important because they recognize human rights as an essential and structural component of law, while also allowing communities to express their difficulties in order to seek solutions and promote conflict resolution,” said Sofía Jaramillo, a law student.
For his part, Julián Delgado, a law student, highlighted the space provided by the School and the University. “The speakers presented valid, structured, and well-researched presentations, accompanied by visual aids that guided the audience.”
