May Day Parade in Buenaventura (2019)

BUENAVENTURA, COLOMBIA:

No more displacement, no more violence!

Hundreds of people have been displaced from the coastal neighborhoods in Buenaventura as a result of growing commercial interest to convert the area into a tourist destination.  They have been displaced as a result of paramilitaries, gangs and armed groups, and other forms of political and organized violence who have made it impossible for them to stay at home.The emergency situation threatening the lives of those living in Buenaventura is of extreme concern and calls for our immediate attention and solidarity. For more information, read "Crisis in Buenaventura"...

Please send an email to Colombian authorities to demand peace and justice and the right to be home, in safe communities, for the people of Buenaventura, Colombia. Following is an English translation of the email being sent (as always, you can add your own words if you wish):

In solidarity with the people of Buenaventura, we support the following demands:

- Provide necessary attention and support to families who are in vulnerable situations as a result of more than 300 displacements caused by armed confrontations that occurred throughout 2020. 

- Take effective measures to handle the situation and protect the lives of social leaders. 

- Comply with the agreements reached by the communities and organizations at the Civic Strike to Live in Peace and with Dignity in Buenaventura.  

- Take heed of the call to action made by the organizations and social sectors of Buenaventura for an International In Situ Mission at the end of February in order to follow up on their commitments. 

- Finally, the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy, and Development urges the government to respond to these requests with diligence and respect the livelihood of the Afro-descendant people of Buenaventura.