New attacks against the rural communities of Alto Ariari, Meta

26.05.08

1. The rural inhabitants of this part of the Alto Ariari region (Meta department) have let us know about the abuses of authority that Colombian Army troops of the 21st Battallion have been committing. They have arbitrarily confiscated cellular phones from all of the local farmers, a clear violation of the rights and liberties of all citizens expressed in the Colombian Constitution.

2. The campesinos have reported the presence of terrorists identifying themselves as members of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and “Black Eagles” in this region, which is subject to an intense and constant military presence.

3. Today, May 9, 2008, at 10:30 am, the community reports that a commission of residents of the village of La Esmeralda (El Castillo municipality), is traveling toward the farm of Mrs. Ester Vargas, located in the village of El Retiro, due to the fact that this family has been besieged by army troops stationed there and staying in her own farm, violating this family’s freedom of movement.

4. The people have also reported the rewards that the Army is offering to those who provide information. These rewards are offered to children, involving them in the armed conflict and thus a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, and taking advantage of the poverty in these communities.

WE ASK OF THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY:

Moral solidarity with the communities of Alto Ariari and pressure on the Álvaro Uribe administration to cease the Colombian Army’s persecution of the campesinos of this region.

WE DEMAND OF THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT

That the troops stationed in Alto Ariai respect the life and dignity of the region’s rural communities.

That it provide the security guarantees necessary to protect and respect the physical safety, freedoms and rights of the campesinos in this part of Meta.

That it and the military stop the state persecution of peasant farmers and rural communities.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AIDEE MORENO IBAGUE
NATIONAL SECRETARY OF HUMAN RIGHTS

FENSUAGRO-CUT [National Federation of Agricultural Farming Unions]

COLOMBIA

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