Afro-Colombian News

Afro-Colombian territories and oil palm cultivation

Memorandum from NASGAC to the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus regarding the case of Jiguamiando and Curvarado (Choco, Colombia), illegal lands expropriation. May 2010.
Complete document in English at http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/ToCBC-NASGACC-ASCOBA-May2010.pdf
Spanish at http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/CBCdeNASGACC-ASCOBA-Mayo2010.pdf

Far Worse Than Watergate: Widening Scandal Regarding Intelligence Agency as New Government Takes Office in Colombia

"A still-unfolding scandal in Colombia is revealing
that the government’s intelligence agency not
only spied upon major players in Colombia’s
democracy—from Supreme Court and Constitutional
Court judges to presidential candidates, from
journalists and publishers to human rights defenders,
from international organizations to U.S. and European
human rights groups—but also carried out dirty tricks,
and even death threats, to undermine their legitimate,
democratic activities. And it may have carried out its
illegal surveillance with orders from top presidential
advisors. The next Colombian administration must
be challenged to fully reform the nation’s intelligence
services to put an end to these authoritarian practices".

"The tactics outlined in these operations included:
framing a journalist by placing him in a fabricated
guerrilla video and requesting the suspension of his
visa (possibly to the U.S.); conducting sabotage
against Constitutional Court judges; making it appear
that opposition politicians and nongovernmental
leaders had links to illegal armed groups or were
engaged in corruption or adultery; stealing passports
and ID cards; making threats; using blackmail."

By U.S. Office on Colombia, Latin America Working Group Education Fund, Center for International Policy and Washington Office on Latin America.
http://www.wola.org/media/COLOMBIA/Far%20Worse%20than%20Watergate.pdf

Afro-Colombian organizations report on US human rights violations

The Black Community Process -PCN and AFRODES USA submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Committee for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United States compliance with international human rights standards, with the endorsement of organizations member of NASGACC, and other in solidarity with Afro-Colombian struggle.

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a very unique process, created in 2006 through the UN General Assemble, to review the human rights records of all 192 UN Member States once every four years. “The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfill their human rights obligations.” (UNHRC). It is a mechanism that aims to remind States of their responsibilities with international human rights standards, address human rights violations and improve the human rights situation in all countries.

This is the first time that the United States will be evaluated in its human rights obligations. Several NGOs in the US submitted their reports on issues such labor and employment, gender, health, housing, immigration, political represion, international policies and others. Only the US Human Rights Network (USHRN) submitted a compilation of 24 reports.

The submission by PCN and AFRODES USA focused on the impact of the US policies Plan Colombia and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Afro-descendant economic, social and cultural rights. This is a unique opportunity for the Afro-descendant organizations to address the implications of the US policies toward Colombia in the serious violations of Afro-Colombian human rights, before the UN Humans Rights Council, make specific recommendations to modify such policies, and hold the country accountable for its failures on ensuring respect and implementation of those rights.

The UN’s first UPR of the US is schedule to take place on December 20th, 2010.

To read the complete report go to:
http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/PCN-AFRODESUSAjointSubmission-US-April2010.pdf

For a USHRN summary of the reports go to: http://www.ushrnetwork.org/sites/default/files/_USHRN_Overarching_UPR_Report.pdf

Also find individual reports at: http://www.ushrnetwork.org/campaign_upr

Statement by the United Nations Independent Expert on minority issues, Ms Gay McDougall, on the conclusion of her official visit to Colombia, 1 to 12 February 2010

http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/independentexpertonminorities-Feb2010.pdf

AFRODES USA Strongly Condemns Armed Groups' Violations of Afro-Colombian Rights and International Humanitarian Law Violations in Timbiquí (Cauca)

AFRODES USA issued a statement condemning the indiscriminate use of force by guerrilla groups and Colombian army that put in risk the Afro-Colombian civilians in the urban zone of Timbiquí, in the Department of Cauca. In the statement AFRODES USA remind "all of the parties to the internal armed conflict that these actions violate international humanitarian law" ruled by the Geneva Conventions, to which Colombia is subscribed, and also to the Colombian armed forces that "they are obliged to protect the rights of Afro-Colombian civilians living in this area".

AFRODES USA is concern that military bases in the community centers where the civilian populations is setled, as is the case in Timbiqui, is a violation of Condition F, the human rights condition pertaining to Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities of the foreign appropriations act of the United States.

Read more http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/TimbiquiAlert.pdf

Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN) Report from its Visist to Afro-Colombian Communities

Responding to several invitations by the Process of Black Communities -PCN, and conflicted by the disturbing reports constantly received about the critical human rights situation in Afro-Colombian Communities, CRLN visited Agua Blanca in Cali (Valle), Buenaventura (Valle), Buenos Aires (Cauca), El Charco (Nari�o), Guapi (Cauca) and Tumaco (Nari�o) from July 14-25, 2007.

The organization published a report that you can find at http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/CRLNDelegationReport072007.pdf

Support Afro-Colombian Human Rights

Support Afro-Colombian Human Rights

August 5, 2009

Dear Supporters of Afro-Colombian Human Rights,

This past week we received various reports of concern from our Afro-Colombian grassroots counterparts that we wish to bring to your attention. We kindly suggest that you contact the State Department and ask that they take action on the following cases affecting Afro-Colombian communities.

- On July 30, members of the Colombian Marines arrived and stationed themselves at the Community of Bajito, in Mosquera (Nari�o Department) in anticipation of an armed conflict against a guerrilla group in the area. The Marines proceeded to raid approximately 100 civilian homes and to install themselves in these homes without any regard for the inhabitants. According to the Ibarbo family and other families, the Marines allegedly took the personal identifications of persons residing in the homes they occupied without informing them. These families report that Eduar Cortez Ibarbo was abducted by the Marines, severely beaten-up, and accused of having ties with the guerrilla. The leaders of this community have been stigmatized and accused of supporting the guerrillas and engaging in illegal operations such as storing weapons. The community notes that the activities of the Colombian armed forces including the breach of international humanitarian law, harassment of community members on the part of soldiers and combat operations between the Colombian Marines and the guerrillas have generated the internal displacement of the entire community- approximately 700 Afro-Colombians.

- On July 27th, the Displaced Women Collective of Valle del Cauca (COLMUDEVSA) announced that the government had not adequately responded to the critical humanitarian situation faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and that their lives and those of their families are in danger. Due to lack of a suitable government response to their plight, the Women's Collective and District Working Group of Buenaventura decided to peacefully takeover the headquarters of Acci�n Social (Colombian agency in charge of IDPs) in Buenaventura to demand immediate solutions to their situation of internal displacement. COLMUDEVSA is urging the Colombian authorities to implement the Constitutional Court's recent orders on internal displacement (092 of 2008 and 004, 005, 007, 008 and 009 of 2009).

- On July 24th, Clara Portilla, member of the Organization of Displaced Persons (OPD) from the Nari�o Department received a written racist death threat from the "The Black Eagles" paramilitary group. In this threat, the paramilitaries threaten to kill her if she does not leave town within 72 hours.
In July 2009, the Colombian military began a process of forced manual eradication in Bebed� located in the San Miguel Community (Choc� Department). The eradication provoked attacks from the guerrillas who killed civilian eradicators. It also has seriously undermined the security of the Afro-Colombian community living in this area. The community is concerned about the military's eradication project because it violates their Constitutional civil right to previous consultation. They are not opposed to eradication of coca itself but how it is being done without their consultation and consideration of their rights. They argue that eradication done without consultation with those affected will only exacerbate illicit activities, and at the same time hurt the community's licit economic activities. Members of this community have actively opposed the eradication efforts due to fear that such efforts could lead to attacks against them. Currently, there is concern that these protests may escalate into violent confrontations.

- According to the Black Communities Process (PCN), the Colombian government granted a concession to the foreign mining company Anglo Gold Ashanti to mine in the northern Cauca Department without following the previous consultation process with the Afro-Colombian communities in the area. Granting a concession for mineral exploitation without prior consultation with the communities affected is a violation of Law 70 of the Black Communities (1993), the ILO Convention 169 and the Order 005 of the Colombian Constitutional Court. PCN states that this concession will result in the eviction of 1,502 families from the Afro-Colombian Community Council of La Toma on the 6th of August 2009. The traditional small scale Afro-Colombian miners and their families have inhabited these territories since 1636 and make a living primarily from small scale gold mining.

- The Community Council of La Toma consists of five villages: Yolombo, Gelima, Dos Aguas, El Ato and La Toma. 6500 of the 7000 hectares have now been conceded to the Anglo Gold Ashanti company. Afro-Colombian leaders predict that as the Community Council of La Toma faces displacement, other Afro-Colombian communities in the municipalities of Suarez, Buenos Aires and Santander de Quilichao are likely to become displaced in the future. Ashanti and Consigo Resort, another mining company, are allegedly looking for permanent license to exploit the gold in these municipalities. Afro-Colombian leaders are concerned that this type of economic development done without the proper consultation mechanism will not benefit the local communities. Rather it will lead to displacement and leave hundreds of traditional Afro-Colombian artisan miner families with no means of sustaining themselves.

- On July 2nd 2009 a sailor, linked to the company Harimar, named Gustavo Estrella, threatened a member of the Chanzara Community Council (CCL) which forms part of the Afro-Colombian community councils umbrella network COCOCAUCA. Estrella hassled the officer for the legal actions taken by the autonomous regional organization of Cauca (CRIC) against Harimar and accused him of blocking the progress of Harimar. The perpetrator said that if they were in Buenavista then �things would be different'; perhaps suggesting that he could be murdered or disappeared. One month earlier, during first week of June, another person linked to Harimar circled the Bellavista Community (where CCL is located) showing off his 9mm gun in a threatening manner.

- On July 17th in Quibd� (Department of Choc�) the 34th Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerillas attacked a commercial establishment in the center of the city by launching a grenade into a crowded area. 11 civilians were wounded by this explosion including Michel Diana Hurtado Ortega, Deyvis Antonio Arrieta Perez, Freddy Antonio Diaz Hoyos, Jose Bertuqueo Molina Saenz, Elcy Rengifo Ayala, Sandra Correa Ospina, Julio Eduardo Herrera, Angela Largacha Cordoba, Oscar Herrera Hoyos, Danny Maria Largacha Cordoba and Belkin Palacios Cordoba. The FARC is one of various illegal armed groups present in Quibd� and the violence among these groups has increased in recent months. This is the 9th attack against a commercial establishment to take place in Quibd� in 2009.

We strongly urge you to contact Susan Sanford, Colombia Desk

Office of Andean Affairs, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (Tel: 202-647-3142; Fax: 202-647-2628) and Steve Moody, Foreign Affairs Officer - Human Rights and Labor, Asia and Western Hemisphere Affairs, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (Tel: 202-647-8301; Fax: 202- 647-8326) at the US State Department and ask that they:

Insist that Colombian authorities take strong action to implement human rights condition F of U.S. Military assistance to Colombia which states public forces are properly distinguishing between civilians and combatants in indigenous and Afro-Colombian areas. Cases of abuse on the part of the public forces in Nari�o should be investigated and those found guilty brought to justice.

Urge the Colombian government to take immediate action to guarantee that protection measures are immediately put in place to protect the life of Ms. Portilla and the other Afro-Colombian IDP leaders and organizations found in this document.

Encourage USAID to work with the Colombian government to work with the community of San Miguel to create a coca cultivation reduction plan centered on alternative development projects developed by the affected Afro-Colombian territorial authorities. According to Article 52 of Law 70 (1993) of the Black Communities the authorities should support the creation of micro-financing associations to facilitate the gradual substitution of illicit crops.

Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture should be asked to regulate the exploitation of the forestry and mining sectors and the government should provide training opportunities to rural farmers on production, commercialization, and first-aid.

Ask that Colombian authorities adequately address the concerns of the La Toma community and Displaced Women Collective of Valle del Cauca (COLMUDEVSA) in a manner that respects their Constitutional Rights.

Recommend that the Colombian authorities take bolder actions to dismantle the operational structures (military, economic and social) of the illegal armed groups Black Eagles, New Generation and FARC in areas of the country, most notably Choc�, Cauca, Nari�o and Valle del Cauca Departments, where Afro-Colombians live.

Attached to this document you will find a list of threats and killings involving Afro-Colombians received prior to this week. http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/murdersandthreatsagainstAfroColombians-8-2009.pdf

We thank you in advance for your actions on these important matters.

Sincerely,

Gimena Sanchez
Senior Associate for Colombia
Washington Office on Latin America

Marino Cordoba, Charo Mina Rojas and Otoniel Paz
Association for Internally Displaced Afro-Colombians USA

Nicole Lee, Esq.
Executive Director
TransAfrica Forum

Joseph Jordan
Director and Associate Professor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Carlos Quesada
Latin American Program Director
Global Rights

Kelly Nicholls
Executive Director
U.S. Office on Colombia

James Vondracek
Managing Director
Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America (CRLN)

Roland Roebuck
Afro-Latino activist
Washington, DC

Agustin Lao-Montes, PhD
Associate Professor, Sociology
University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Ajamu Dillahunt
Community Organizer
North Carolina Justice Center

Arturo Escobar
Professor of Anthropology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

President Obama We Are Counting on You

President Obama We Are Counting on You to Send the Message to President Alvaro Uribe that the US Demands Protection of Afro-Colombian Human Rights

By Charo Mina Rojas.
Afro-Colombian advocate and activist. Member of AFRODES USA and the Network for Advocacy in Solidarity with Grassroots Afro-Colombian Communities (NASGACC).
http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/ToObama-re-meetingUribe6-29-09.pdf

THE US-COLOMBIA FTA AND NATIONAL INSECURITY: A CALL FOR ETHICAL FOREIGN POLICY�

http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/AboutTheRallyOnApril30-2009.pdf

New Report on Panama FTA

By, Public Citizen, Global Trade Watch.
"Panama FTA would undermine U.S. efforts to stop offshore tax-haven abuse and regulate risky financial conduct". The report says. "Trade deal would leave tax shelters for AIG and narcotraffikers intact, while removing existing U.S. tools to combat tax evasion and other financial crimes.
http://www.afrocolombians.com/pdfs/PublicCitizenNewReportonPanamaFTA.pdf