Christina Noriega
Bio:
Christina Noriega is a freelance journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia, where she reports on human rights, gender equality, culture and social movements.
Between 1996 and 2000, former President Alberto Fujimori oversaw a family planning program under which more than 280,000 women and men were sterilized in Peru — mainly in poor, rural areas. Decades later, victims are still awaiting justice.
A Colombian peace court is opening a new legal case that could bring justice for the first time to thousands of victims of gender-based crimes committed by the FARC and the military during decades of bitter conflict.
About 400 women on average are prosecuted every year in the Andean country, blocking eligible women from accessing safe, timely, and free abortions. Underage girls are not exempt from such criminal prosecution and face sweeping sanctions, from restricted movement to mandatory community service, if convicted.
Despite the government's pre-emptive measures to curb violence against women under lockdown, gender-based crimes skyrocketed during the state-mandated quarantine.
"We're one of the most vulnerable populations, and it's the government that makes us vulnerable. During this pandemic especially, we need maximum protection."
