SOLIDARITY WITH COLOMBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS WORKERS

Friday, April 1, 2005 at 7am five young human rights defenders, members of Justicia Y Paz were disappeared from the Humanitarian Zone in the Peace Community of Jiguamiando in Choco, Colombia.

Jiguamiando is a Peace Community affirming their rights using nonviolent means. The persons disappeared were doing accompaniment in the Community.

The Community was denouncing the illegal plantations of African Palms by Corporations in the lands titled to the community. Because of this the Community has received threats, and been harassed by the para-military and the Colombian army.

Background Information to the Disappearances
March 15, 2005, the InterAmerican court demanded the Colombian Government to especially protect the Humanitarian Zone of Jiguamiando.

March 30, 2005, the offices of Justicia Y Paz in Colombia received death threats in the form of a letter expressing condolences for the deaths of the Staff.

ACTION

We urgently ask for  prayers that the five disappeared persons are alive and released immediately, and for the safety and protection of Justicia Y Paz staff in Bogota.

When further actions  become clear in light of the sensitivity of this issue, we will communicate further. Thank you for being in solidarity in this critical time for these good people.