To: Colombia Advocates,

From: Elanor Starmer

Associate for Colombia and Central America
Latin America Working Group
estarmer@lawg.org

Many of you are aware of the recent horrific massacre of eight members of the San Jose de Apartado Peace Community in northwest Colombia, most of them women and children. I know that some of you knew those who were killed or other members of the community, and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time.

Reports from the field allege involvement of the Colombian army in the massacre, and a thorough investigation should be a first priority for the Colombian government. The massacre has generated outrage and crucial momentum on Colombia policy issues, including a strong letter from 32 members of Congress to President Uribe (available on the web at http://www.lawg.org/countries/colombia/congress_watch.htm) , and another letter from 28 national NGOs to Secretary Rice. But we need your help to ensure that the U.S. government's response is swift and meaningful, and that the Colombian government conducts a transparent and thorough investigation of the incident.

Please help to ensure justice and transparency in the investigation and safety for the members of the Peace Community by sending a letter to the U.S. State Department. Below is a sample letter drafted by friends at Witness for Peace for you to use and pass on. The letter urges the State Department to undertake the following actions:
Vigorously pressure the Colombian government to conduct a transparent investigation and prosecution in civilian courts of those responsible;

Withhold certification of security assistance to the Colombian military until the above noted investigations and prosecutions occur, along with progress on other key cases and in breaking links between the army and paramilitary forces;

Direct the U.S. Embassy to issue a public statement condemning the massacre and to visit San José de Apartadó to show concern for the community's safety; and

Call on the Colombian government to provide protective measures to the community in careful consultation with community members, as required by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Please send letters to Ambassador Michael Kozak (contact information below.) This action should be taken as soon as possible; we'll let you know when the State Department makes a move on the case.

Even as we grieve for the victims, we can move forward alongside courageous Colombians who, despite threats and loss, live joyfully and with strength and conviction.

A REMINDER: APRIL 26TH is NATIONAL CALL IN DAY ON COLOMBIA. Timing of this call-in day to Congress is crucial, as we expect a June or July vote on Colombia legislation. Our message to Congress: Plan Colombia (2000-2005) has failed. We believe that peace is possible, but not through more military aid and fumigation. A new Colombia policy should prioritize social aid, not an inhumane and ineffective military approach.

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SAMPLE LETTER

March 23, 2005

Ambassador Michael Kozak
Acting Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
U.S. Department of State
2201 C St.
Washington, DC 20520

Fax: (202) 647-5283

I am writing to express my condemnation of the February 21-22 massacre of eight men, women and children in San Jose de Apartado in northwest Colombia. Internationally respected peace leader and co-founder of the San Jose Peace Community Luis Eduardo Guerra, his son and partner were among the victims; their assassins were identified by witnesses as members of the Colombian military. Given allegations of military involvement in this atrocity, I urge the Department of State to withhold certification of assistance to the Colombian military until there is a transparent, impartial investigation and prosecution by civilian authorities of the authors of this massacre. In addition, certification should not be granted until there is effective investigation and prosecution of army officials involved in human rights abuses and greater progress in breaking links between the army and paramilitary forces.

I am especially concerned by President Uribe's statements on March 20 accusing leaders and defenders of the Peace Community of lending support to the FARC guerrillas. These broad public statements put at risk all residents of San Jose de Apartado, as well as those who accompany them.

Regarding the San Jose de Apartado case, I respectfully urge the State Department to respond through the following actions:

Vigorously pressure the Colombian government to conduct transparent investigations in civilian courts and prosecute those responsible;

Direct the U.S. Embassy to issue a public statement condemning the massacre and to visit San José de Apartado to show concern for the community's safety; and

Call on the Colombian government to provide protective measures to the community that are determined in careful consultation with community members, as required by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

I am distressed by the loss of civilian life in the Colombian conflict. I am especially concerned about these human rights abuses due to the massive U.S. financial support given to the Colombian army. The State Department should send a strong message to the Colombian government on human rights by denying certification until the armed forces sever its links with paramilitaries and the Colombian government takes effective action against impunity for these crimes.

I look forward to hearing back from you on your actions to ensure justice for the peace communities in Colombia. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

[Name, address]