Yirley Velasco

Yirley Judith Velasco Garrido is a women’s human rights defender from El Salado, a village in the Bolivar department in Colombia’s Caribbean region. Known for her relentless advocacy for survivors of sexual violence, she represents and leads the Asociación Mujeres Sembrando Vida (Women Sowing Life Association), an organization dedicated to seeking justice for women impacted by sexual violence during Colombia’s armed conflict. A survivor of the notorious 2000 El Salado massacre, Yirley has since become a powerful voice against violence, demanding accountability and support for victims while facing repeated death threats and harassment due to her activism.

The journey that led Yirley to become a figure of courage and resilience began with the horrific events of February 2000, when paramilitary forces associated with the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) descended on El Salado. Over six days, the AUC brutally tortured, murdered, and terrorized residents, particularly those suspected of supporting left-wing guerrillas. The attack was orchestrated as both a public execution and psychological warfare; civilians were forced to endure the sight of their loved ones being tortured or killed while being denied any opportunity to escape. Women and young girls faced systematic sexual assault, including Yirley, who was 14 at the time.

In the years following the massacre, Yirley struggled to come to terms with the atrocities she endured. Eventually, she found purpose in helping other women who had suffered similar fates. The formation of the Asociación Mujeres Sembrando Vida in 2007 was a turning point, allowing Yirley to channel her trauma into activism. The organization became a space for survivors to unite, voice their experiences, and advocate for justice. Through the association, she has provided legal representation to women pursuing justice and reparations, ensuring that the suffering inflicted on them during Colombia’s armed conflict is recognized and addressed.

“We have raffles, we make food, we do thousands of things to have resources so that we do not depend on having to ask the government for everything, and thus continue to support more women.”

Her advocacy extends beyond legal pursuits; Yirley has spearheaded collective recognition and reparation initiatives, highlighting the importance of solidarity and healing within survivor communities. By leading dialogues and public discussions on sexual violence and its lingering impact, she brings visibility to the often-silenced voices of female survivors. Through her work, Yirley emphasizes that collective healing is essential to achieving a lasting peace, as the scars of past atrocities remain present in the daily lives of affected communities.

A leader in Colombia’s peacebuilding efforts, Yirley consistently underscores the critical role that women play in the nation’s pursuit of peace. She believes that peace cannot be fully realized until the systemic issues underlying violence against women are addressed and that women’s rights must be central to any long-term solution. Her advocacy aligns with the 2016 Colombian Peace Agreement, which included provisions to protect women’s rights and prevent future gender-based violence.

“I believe in the peace process. It is an opportunity that I think is wasted, and it has been the worst mistake. Peace is made by each one of us in our hearts, too, forgiving each other, believing in reconnection.”

Yirley’s stance has made her a target for harassment, threats, and repeated displacement. Her outspokenness and dedication to her cause have drawn the ire of various groups opposed to exposing sexual violence within the framework of armed conflict. Since 2019, she has faced regular death threats, which have forced her to relocate multiple times for her safety. In response to these threats, the IACHR granted precautionary measures in 2020 to protect Yirley and her family. However, her vision of security differs significantly from typical government responses; for Yirley, true safety lies in being able to work and live peacefully in her own community without fear.

“I was left with many scars, both physical and spiritual. I have overcome it because I continue this fight; I continue to support more women.”

Over the years, her advocacy has not only brought attention to the individual stories of survivors but has also highlighted the broader pattern of impunity and neglect faced by female victims of violence in Colombia. She is one of the few female leaders who has openly discussed the impact of the El Salado massacre and the long-lasting trauma it inflicted on her and other women in the region. Through her courage and leadership, Yirley has set a powerful example of resilience, proving that survivors can be formidable agents of change.