Urgent Action: Colombia, Three Dead and 179 Wounded by State Forces

Three dead and 179 wounded by state forces in response to peaceful civilian protests in Colombia

In May 2016, the National Indigenous Organization of Colombia (ONIC) convened a National Agrarian, Peasant, Ethnic and Grassroots Mobilization – for Good Living, a Structural Agrarian Reform and Dignified Cities – Sowing Hope, Harvesting our Country (or Minga, as it’s known in Colombia).

The Minga brings together diverse social movement actors from Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and peasant farmer organizations. They are calling on the Colombian government to comply with agreements reached after popular Indigenous mobilizations in 2013 and 2014, particularly around land reform, expressing their opposition to the Colombian government’s development model, and denouncing repressive state policies against popular protest.

According to ONIC, since May 30th there have been indiscriminate attacks by state forces against non-violent protesters in the 38 points of protest throughout the country. As of June 6, reports indicate that three Indigenous people have been killed, and 179 others have been wounded.

ONIC has reiterated its support for the peace dialogues between the State and the FARC, and the upcoming dialogues with the ELN. However, this repressive and violent response to peaceful civilian protest brings into question the State’s commitment to peace and its willingness to take into account the Colombian peoples’ vision of a just society.

Please add your voice to those calling on the Colombian government to cease using violence against its citizens and to comply with past agreements reached with National Indigenous protests.

Urgent Action: Colombia, June 2016

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Message Señor Juan Manuel Santos Presidente de la República de Colombia Palacio de Nariño, Carrera 8 no.7-26 Bogotá, Colombia (English translation follows) Excmo. Sr. Presidente Santos: Le escribo para expresar mi profunda preocupación frente a reportes recibidos de varios sectores de la sociedad civil, relacionados con la situación de violencia que está enfrentando la Minga Nacional Agraria, Campesina, Étnica y Popular. Según reportes de la sociedad civil en Colombia, ha habido ataques indiscriminados en los 38 puntos del país donde pueblos Indígenas están manifestando, y que para el 6 de junio, ha habido tres muertos y 179 heridos. Entiendo que una de los motivos principales de la Minga Nacional es para buscar que el Gobierno de Colombia cumpla con los compromisos que hizo tras Mingas previas en 2013. Sin duda alguna, el proceso de paz que el gobierno colombiano ha venido desarrollando con las FARC y ad portas con el ELN, trae esperanza para el pueblo colombiano de una transformación social y gubernamental. En este contexto es imperativo que el gobierno colombiano actúe de manera coherente, garantizando a los sectores campesinos, indígenas y afrocolombianos de la Minga, el libre ejercicio del derecho a la manifestación social pacífica, reconocido en el artículo 37 de la Constitución colombiana así como en tratados internacionales. Reportes de violencia y violaciones a los derechos humanos por parte de entidades del Estado en contra de quienes participan en esta Minga, incluyendo niños, mujeres y adultos mayores, son altamente preocupante. Es por eso que solicitamos al gobierno colombiano lo siguiente: • Tomar, de manera oportuna, las medidas necesarias para garantizar la protección, la seguridad y el trato digno de todas las personas que hacen parte de la Minga; • Que su gobierno demuestre una verdadera voluntad política para establecer el diálogo con la Cumbre Agraria, para que se cumplan los acuerdos y exigencias de los sectores afectados así como garantizar el respeto de sus derechos. Muy atentamente, English translation Señor Juan Manuel Santos President of the Republic of Colombia Palacio de Nariño, Carrera 8 no.7-26 Bogotá, Colombia Dear President Santos I am writing to express my deep concern over reports received from various civil society sectors regarding the situation of violence faced by the National Agrarian, Peasant, Ethnic and Grassroots Mobilization. According to reports from civil society groups in Colombia, there have been indiscriminate attacks in the 38 points where Indigenous peoples are protesting, and as of June 6, three people have been killed, and 179 wounded. I understand that one of the main reasons for the mobilization is to seek that the government comply with agreements made after National Mobilizations in 2013. Without a doubt, the peace process between the Government of Colombia and the FARC and the imminent negotiations with the ELN brings hope to the Colombian peoples for a social and governmental transformation. In this context it is imperative that the Colombian government act in a coherent manner, guaranteeing the peasant, indigenous and Afro-Colombian sectors of the National Mobilization their right to peaceful social protest, as recognized in article 37 of the Colombian Constitution as well as in international treaties. Reports of violence and human rights violations by State entities against those participating in the National Mobilization, including children, women and seniors, are extremely worrisome. For that reason we ask the Colombian government the following: • To immediately take the necessary measures to ensure the protection, security and dignified treatment of all those people taking part in the National Mobilization • That the government demonstrate a true political willingness to establish dialogue with the organizations leading the National Mobilization, in order to meet the agreements and demands of the affected sectors as well as guarantee the respect of their rights. Sincerely,

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