People's Right to Move - Voices From Colombia's Confined Communities
Breaking Down the Barriers
In November of 2003, nearly 500 people - among them local peasants, representatives of church organizations, local and international NGOs and UN agencies, diplomats and Colombian and international journalists - embarked on a five-day, 600 km journey along the Atrato river. The voyage highlighted the impact of the forced confinement being imposed on indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities by the armed actors.
Thousands of local residents turned out to welcome the caravan of boats. They were determined to send a message to the armed actors that the river must be open to all and their freedom of movement must be respected.
The campaign brought the situation of the confined communities along the Atrato to the attention of Colombia and to people around the world. Never before had the media been present in the region in such large numbers. It was not a solution to the problem but it was a step towards one. There are still confined communities along the Atrato River, and in many other parts of the country, but now people are talking about the problem.
We want the Atrato river back so we can travel on it without fear, where each person feels like an owner of this territory. We hope that the campaign will make the armed actors understand that the communities want a free Atrato so they can travel on it. We hope the river will be what it was before, that boats can cross it again, that the Atrato's products can be purchased in the big cities. (Male resident of San Juan, Chocó)
With help from PCS, five community centres were constructed at strategic points along the river. The centres permit the population to carry out communal activities and strengthen the social structure of the communities. While it is hoped that they are only used for community development, they can also serve as places of refuge where people can take shelter and receive emergency relief if they are forced to flee.
Another part of the campaign to break the blockades that maintain the confinement is the "River of Words". This is a floating library that brings books, news, videos, and contact with the outside world, to villages along the Atrato river.
What people remember most about the library are the videos they show of Charlie Chaplin. That we can make people laugh in the midst of conflict and a humanitarian crisis is a success in itself. (Member of pastoral team of Diocese of Quibdó)
In addition to the generous support of our donors, Inter Pares gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance of CIDA Americas branch and the Wild Rose Foundation for our work in Colombia.
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| Reviewed July 31, 2009 |  |
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