APPEAL: Statement on Women and Human Rights Organizations in Colombia

Source: 
Global Network of Women Peacebuilders
Duration: 
Sunday, March 27, 2011 - 20:00
Countries: 
Americas
South America
Colombia
PeaceWomen Consolidated Themes: 
Peace Processes
Human Rights
Reconstruction and Peacebuilding
Initiative Type: 
Statements,Appeals & Demonstrations

Statement on Women and Human Rights Organizations in Colombia:
The International Civil society Action Network – Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (ICAN-GNWP) expresses deep concern about the safety of our sisters and human rights defenders in Colombia. We denounce any threat against Colombian human rights-, Afro-Colombian-, indigenous-, internally displaced and labor rights organizations as well as individual human rights defenders. We particularly condemn the recent threats against the Corporation for Research and Social and Economic Action (CIASE) by the Capital Armed Block, the Black Eagles.

We deplore the incessant harassments, violations of privacy and threats to physically harm individuals, and their families, working for a safe and just Colombia. CIASE and other women's and human rights organizations continue to work determinedly to empower Colombian women and protect their rights. The organizations have strongly advocated for the implementation in Colombia of international laws such as the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on Women and Peace and Security.

We call upon the Colombian government to recognize and respect the work of all women's and human rights organizations in Colombia. We demand that it immediately investigate the threats against the organizations and individuals. We call upon it to guarantee the safety of everyone working to promote and protect human rights. We further insist that the Colombian government safeguard the rights of its citizens; and ensure that all those accused of human rights violations are properly investigated and duly prosecuted.

Afghan Women's Network
Center for Peace Education
Center for Women in Governance
Femlinkpacific/Pacific Regional Media and Policy Network on UNSCR1325
IFOR Women Peacemakers Program
Isis International
Lira Women Peace Initiative (LIWEPI)
Mothers for Active Non-Violence (MOFAN-V)
Observatorio Genero Democracia y Derechoa Humanos
Red Nacional de Mujeres Colombia
Rwanda Women's Network
Saathi
Teso Women Peace Activists (TEWPA)
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/DRC
Women Peacemakers Program – Africa
Women Peacemakers Program – Burundi
Women Allies Peacebuilders
WIPNET – Nigeria
Women Peacemaker Program – RDC