Luz Yeni Montano

Luz Yeni Montano, 48, was shot dead on at her own home on the 12th of November 2017 in Tumaco, Narino, Colombia.

Mother of seven children, Luz Yeni was a community and religious leader. An active member of the Community Action Board of Tumaco and the religious associations of Divino Niño y Jesús Nazareno, she managed projects to aid displaced communities.

The area where Luz Yeni resided and peacefully fought is known for the activity of illegal groups and being a community leader is a high risk activity.

Luz Yeni publicly denounced corruption in Colombia and the numerous recent killings of community leaders, only from January to November 2017, over 120 were murdered. She came back her last day from a gathering for the Día de la Acción Comunal, where a commemoration for the victims took place.

She remains in the memory of those who knew her as a religious spirit, given to her community; a kind and generous soul.


If you would like to provide a personal recollection, please email us at: HRDMemorial@frontlinedefenders.org

Region:Americas

Country:Colombia

Department/Province/State:Narino

Sex1:Female

Age:48

Date of Killing:12/11/2017

Previous Threats:No information

Type of Work:Social leader

Organisation:Community Action Board of Tumaco

Sector or Type of Rights the HRD Worked On:ESC Rights

Sector Detail:Abuse of power/corruption, Indigenous Peoples' Rights, Land Rights, Peasant Communities

More information:Front Line Defenders

1This database records an individual's chosen gender identity. If they do not self-identify as male or female they can use the option of recording other/neither or use the term NBGI (non binary gender identity).