Over the last few months,
scores of paramilitaries, some in military fatigues and identifying themselves
as members of the Gaitanista Self-Defence Forces of Colombia
(Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia, AGC), have been intermittently camped in
various parts of the Peace Community of
San José de Apartadó. Community members report that the paramilitaries have
threatened them and told them they are in the area to stay. They also state
that security forces have been present in the area and have told members of the
community that they are aware of the paramilitary presence, but that they would
not take action since the community would only try to distort anything the
security forces did.
Please write immediately in Spanish or your
own language:
- Expressing concern for the safety of the members of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and other civilians living in the area
- Urging them to take immediate action to dismantle paramilitary groups and break their links with the security forces, in line with stated government commitments
- Reminding them that civilians, including the San José de Apartadó Peace Community and other civilians living in the area, have the right to not be drawn into the armed conflict.
President
Señor
Juan Manuel Santos
Presidente
de la República
Palacio
de Nariño, Carrera 8 No.7-26 Bogotá, Colombia
Fax:
+57 1 596 0631
Salutation:
Dear President Santos / Excmo. Sr. Presidente Santos
Defence
Minister
Señor
Luis Carlos Villegas
Ministerio
de Defensa
Carrera
54, no.26-29
Bogotá,
Colombia
Fax:
+57 1 266 1003
Salutation:
Dear Minister / Sr. Ministro
Peace Community
Comunidad de Paz de
San José de Apartadó
AA 243 de Apartadó
Antioquia, Colombia
Click here for ENTIRE URGENT ACTION.
