The Colombian government has set up a fund to allow human rights workers who fear for their lives to get out of the country for a few months.

A presidential spokesman told the BBC they would distribute more than half a million dollars to around forty activists who wanted to leave.

The spokesman insisted the fund was in addition to official protection, including bodyguards, and did not imply that human rights workers had to abandon Colombia.

Amnesty International has accused the Colombian government of failing to guarantee the safety of human rights monitors.

In April, two activists were killed and more than six fled the country. after receiving death threats.