Midwestern Regional Networking Conference
on Human Rights in Colombia
September 27-28
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, September 27
I. Noon: Welcome and Introductions
II. Report from CSN's August 1997 delegation to Colombia
III. Discussion of the current human rights crisis in Colombia and the need
for an organized response here; proposal for organizational structure
IV. Organizing Workshops
Sunday, September 28
I. Strategic Planning for the next year (organizational structure, setting
goals and priorities)
II. Further discussion of activism and organizing
III. Adjournment, 2 pm
The Conference Fee of $30 is reduced to $15 for students.
Some free housing is being located, otherwise you will be directed to
inexpensive motels in the area. For assistance with finding accommodation
or for transportation from the airport or bus station, don't hesitate to
contact conference Coordinator Suzanne Wilson, at santafe@ux6.cso.uiuc.edu
Tel:(217)384-0666. Mail can be sent to: P.O.Box 245, Urbana, Illinois
61803-0245.
While this conference is focused primarily on involving people living in the Midwest, i.e., who can drive to the conference, we have already been contacted by people and groups from further away, who wish to become involved in developing an activist movement for Colombia -- everyone is welcome.
A CALL
TO HELP BUILD A GRASSROOTS FORCE
FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN COLOMBIA
The crisis of human rights in Colombia and the attack on democratic
principles continue to worsen. An average of a dozen people are murdered
daily in Colombia for political reasons. Almost none of these crimes result
in conviction and punishment of the perpetrators. Where the persons
responsible are identified, some 70% are members of the Colombian military
or police or of paramilitary groups which collaborate with the Colombian
military.
The U.S. government, meanwhile, has in the last decade showered nearly a
billion dollars in aid on the Colombian government and the Colombian
military supposedly to be used in the so-called "war-on-drugs". Instead
these funds have contributed greatly to the death of more than 20,000
innocent Colombian civilians since 1987 and the suffering of tens of
thousands more, since the Colombian military and the paramilitary groups it
is linked to are responsible for the majority of the country's human rights
abuses. Over a million Colombians, mainly campesinos, have been forced to
flee their homes because of the violence.
The Colombia Support Network of Madison, Wisconsin calls upon people of
good will everywhere to join in this effort to stop the destructive
conflict in Colombia. The hope is to organize a grass-roots movement
throughout the U.S. linked to communities and grass-roots organizations
throughout Colombia, showing the reality of the Colombian situation and
helping to bring an end to the unjust conflict which has taken so many
lives in Colombia.
Hoping to see some of you in Champaign!
contact conference Coordinator Suzanne Wilson, at santafe@ux6.cso.uiuc.edu
Tel:(217)384-0666. Mail can be sent to: P.O.Box 245, Urbana, Illinois
61803-0245