The Other Face of Development in Colombia: Living as Minorities amidst Civil War, Hydrocarbon and Mining Exploitation, and Generalized Human Rights Violations

If you live around the San Diego area, attend this event

The Other Face of Development in Colombia: Living as Minorities amidst Civil War,
Hydrocarbon and Mining Exploitation, and Generalized Human Rights Violations

Colombia is currently engaged in a peace negotiation that may end Latin America’s longest civil war after five
decades. The country has already adopted a new more democratic constitution and made some progress in
demobilizing right wing paramilitary groups, though a number of criminal gangs have risen in their place. Like
other Latin American countries, Colombia has also pushed forward a national development project focused on public and private international oil and mining projects aimed at stimulating economic growth and promoting energy security. Progress on these fronts, nevertheless, has its ugly side. Indigenous peoples, Afro-Colombians and women have expressed their concern that the manner in which the
government pursues these goals undermines the security, safety and health of
the most vulnerable in Colombia. This event presents their experiences and
provides an opportunity for students to gain insights into the challenges raised
by efforts to promote peace and development that will benefit people in their
local communities and not just national statistics. UCSD Faculty Discussants
will provide a comparative perspective on the Colombian experience. Join us
for an award-winning documentary, panel discussion and reception.

Attention from the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA for the latest developing concerns of indigenous rights in Colombia

April 5, 2013

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) wishes to bring to your attention the following developments concerning indigenous rights in Colombia.

Alarming Human Rights Situation for Indigenous Groups

The Colombia National Indigenous Organization (Organización Nacional Indígena de Colombia, ONIC) presented a disturbing report on March 14, 2013, at the OAS Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on the alarming situation indigenous groups face due to violence, displacement, discrimination, poverty, and institutional abandonment by the Colombian government. The report highlighted the critical condition of over 66 indigenous groupings that face cultural and physical extermination; many of whom have a population of less than 500 people. Their livelihood is affected by military operations and mining concessions in their territories, which in some instances totals 54 percent of an indigenous reservation.