joined by a chilling environment that enables the perpetrators of such attacks.” 3 8. Along these lines, as expressed by expert Juan E Méndez in his opinion, the work of human rights defenders is "fundamental for strengthening of democracy and the rule of law." The defense of human rights can only be exercised freely when human rights defenders “are not subjected to threats or physical, mental or moral aggression or other acts of harassment.” Likewise, journalism work “is a cornerstone upon which the very existence of a democratic society rests,” and therefore fundamental for pluralism and tolerance. 4 III. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN A STATE DEAL WITH ARMED CONFLICT 9. “Freedom of expression is not easy in Colombia,” testified witness Jorge Cardona when asked about this issue at the hearing. 10. In this sense, "The Constitutional Court of Colombia has recognized that sexual violence against women in the context of the armed conflict was a common, widespread, systematic, and generalized practice, 5 a context that has affected women journalists, as the United Nations has recognized." 6 11. The challenges of considering measures to guarantee the safety of journalists 7 increase considerably in the context of armed conflicts, in which violence against women (especially sexual violence) is more serious and systematic. Clarifying the differentiated impact of such violence on the individual and collective dimension of freedom of expression is the specific challenge facing the Court in this case. 12. Examples such as that the person in charge of guarding Ms. Bedoya was arrested for committing kidnappings, or the DAS as a tool of control and surveillance instead of fulfilling its mission to protect, demonstrate that the State did not fulfill its obligations to respect and guarantee rights, instead becoming part of the 3 Amicus Curiae contributed by the IFEX Global Network for the case of Jineth Bedoya Lima et al. v. Colombia (paragraph 25). 4 Page 8 of the expert opinion issued by Juan E. Mendez. 5 Constitutional Court of Colombia. Order 092 of 2008. From words to actions: The experience of the UN Special Political Missions in Colombia on women, peace and security (2016-2020). Report of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, pg. 30. 6 7 United Nations Security Council. Resolution 2222 of May 27, 2015. 3