[News] Colombians March Grows As More Activists Join Cauca Protests

[Anti-Imperialist News]

https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Colombians-March-Grows-As-More-Activists-Join-Cauca-Protests-20190327-0007.html 



  Colombians March Grows As More Activists Join Cauca Protests

Published 27 March 2019
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Now in its 17th day, Colombia’s Indigenous and Campesino National March 
For Life is growing in numbers and momentum.

    /*RELATED:
    Colombia: Indigenous Protest Enters 6th Day in Cauca
    <https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Indigenous-and-Campesino-Protesters-Call-for-Human-Rights-20190318-0015.html>*/

The march, organized by National Indigenous Organization of Colombia 
(ONIC) and the Regional Indigenous Council of Cauca (CRIC) 
<https://twitter.com/ONIC_Colombia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1075361425248403457&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telesurenglish.net%2Fnews%2FColombian-Indigenous-Senator-Denounces-Attack-on-His-Brother-20181221-0007.html>, 
is gaining support as other land and human rights organizations from the 
departments of Cauca, Nariño, Antioquia, Choco and Putumayo demand the 
full implementation of the country’s 2016 Peace Accords signed between 
the government at the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

The Peace and Reconciliation Foundation (Pares) 
<https://pares.com.co/2019/03/26/se-crece-la-minga-mas-comunidades-anuncian-su-apoyo/>reports 
that the Indigenous Unit of the Awa People (UNIPA), the Ingas Indigenous 
of Putumayo, and Kamentza communities from Nariño are all joining the 
march that has shut down major highways south of Cali and affected 
traffic and transportation as far south as the border with Ecuador.

The activists are demanding that the Peace Accords signed in Havana, 
Cuba be fully implemented. This includes the protection of the Campesino 
and Indigenous social movement leaders whose lives are continually 
threatened by paramilitary groups and hired gunmen for their land.

"More than 420 Awa Indigenous people have been killed in recent years, 
more than 800 displaced between 2016 and 2019 and 64 have been 
threatened,” UNIPA said in a statement. “Our children suffer from 
malnutrition and our young people are threatened by armed groups present 
in the area," the Awa communique read.

Between November 2016 and 2018 over 420 activists were murdered 
<https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/6-Days-6-Deaths-More-Murder-of-Social-Leaders-in-Colombia-20190107-0008.html>, 
according to the Colombian government. The Colombian army 
<http://www.armada.mil.co/es/content/hallados-por-armada-colombia-otros-dos-cuerpos-sin-vida-en-buenaventura> said 
on Tuesday night it had found a total of four bodies that day in 
Buenaventura where the march is taking place.

The groups are also collectively demanding an additional US$1.46 million 
from the Colombian Congress that is currently debating the National 
Development Plan, according to El Tiempo. ONIC 
<https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Govt-Indigenous-Groups-Begin-Dialogue-After-Weeks-of-Protests-20190322-0009.html> 
and CRIC say that the extra money would go to CRIC and land rights 
organizations in the Huila and Risaralda departments.

*CRIC announces a press conference for Wednesday, March 27, 2019*

Since the march began some three weeks ago the Colombian military has 
attacked demonstrators several times. On March 19 the Mobile 
Anti-Disturbances Squadron (ESMAD) and the National Army opened fire on 
protesters in La Augustina, south of Caliinjuring at least three people 
<https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Indigenous-Peaceful-Protesters-Injured-in-Heavy-Police-Crackdown-in-Cuaca-20190319-0029.html>, 
according to CRIC.

The organization says security forces have fired tear gas, grenades, 
bullets and short and long range weapons at the march participants.

"To date, more 35 criminal reports have been made, including against the 
detainment of 13 marchers,” said CRIC in a communique. At least 10 
Indigenous community members have been murdered by the state forces that 
have injured another 15.

Colombian President Ivan Duque who currently trying to amend and weaken 
the accord through a legislative process, has said he won’t meet with 
the more representatives of the now more than 5,000 marchers until they 
reopen the highway.

CRIC leader Aida Quilcue responded Monday saying, "We have been clear. 
If you tell us when the president will arrive, we’ll consider opening 
the road."​​​​​​​

-- 
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