Thank you: Canada acknowledges threat to Indigenous Peoples in Colombia

I got this from Amnesty International.  Sign this petition: 

http://www.amnesty.ca/iwriteforjustice/take_action.php?actionid=872&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz

It's International Day for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
"People of Canada: The People of Zenú need your support"

	Read messages from Colombia's Indigenous Peoples on our slideshow - Please share!

Dear human rights supporter,

Your voice - together with more than 30,000 people who signed our petitions - makes it clear to our government that Canadians care about the rights of vulnerable Indigenous communities in Colombia. We have sent a clear message that the special relationship between Canada and Colombia, created when the  free trade deal came into effect a year ago, brings with it a responsibility to speak out for human rights.

Together, we are helping courageous Indigenous people in Colombia, like the Zenú man in the photo here, to make visible a human rights emergency that is exacerbated by interest in their resource-rich territory. This emergency will only be addressed with concerted international pressure.

In responses to letters from Amnesty International supporters like you, the Canadian government now acknowledges that "important challenges remain" in terms of compliance by the Colombian government with a 2009 court order to implement safeguard plans for 34 peoples "at high risk levels". This acknowledgement means the issue is now on the table.

Thank you for your invaluable help!
Yet much more pressure is needed. Disappointingly the Canadian government said nothing at all about Indigenous communities at risk in a much awaited report to Parliament on the human rights impacts of the Canada Colombia Free Trade Agreement, a report that is required each year the trade deal is in effect. This was a missed opportunity to speak out unequivocally for the rights and survival of endangered human beings.
Meanwhile, the situation in Colombia has become ever more dangerous. Recent fighting between the Colombian army and FARC guerrillas in Cauca, home to many Indigenous communities, resulted in more innocent lives lost. As explosions hit homes, schools and community centres, thousands were forced to flee the land that is so crucial to their survival. Leaders who call for the warring parties to leave Indigenous territory have been threatened and attacked.
Our pressure to halt the violence against Indigenous Peoples in Colombia is needed now, more than ever.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO JOIN YOU IN SIGNING OUR ONLINE PETITION

Today on International Day for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Amnesty International is calling to attention three stories across the Americas, where Indigenous communities are under threat. See statement.
On September 13, Amnesty International Canada will launch a Day of Action with inauguration at the National Museum of Civilization of our moving photo exhibit “This is what we want to tell you: messages from Indigenous people at risk of disappearance in Colombia”. Action events in other cities are planned. Stay tuned for more information about how you can participate, or watch for information on our website here.
Thank you for your support. Never doubt that our efforts, in support of the determined, courageous efforts of our Indigenous sisters and brothers in Colombia, can achieve the changes that are so urgently needed.
Sincerely,



Kathy Price

P.S. Contact me at kprice@amnesty.ca if you would like to organize a showing of our photo exhibit in your community, receive beautiful post card actions to Colombia’s President Santos or find out more about how you can support our campaign.