Amnesty mission responds to crisis in Colombia

I got this from Amnesty International:

http://www.amnesty.ca/blog/index.php?PostID=461&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Informz

Reporting back from Amnesty's mission to Colombia:
“Your letters, petitions and post cards show the Colombian government that the international community knows what is happening to us and cares. But more than that, your action gives enormous hope to Indigenous Peoples here, and new strength to carry on amidst so many obstacles and dangers. Please tell your activists in Canada that we thank you so much for continuing to stand with us.”
- Dora Tavera, a leader of the Pijao Indigenous People
Dear Human Rights supporter,

We shared your messages of support with an enormous, concerned crowd of Indigenous Peoples, gathered in Bogota.    < Read Kathy Price's message following the mission  < Help us protect their rights and cultural survival by making a special one-time gift

We have arrived back in Canada following our mission to Colombia, and we return more worried than ever about the acute crisis facing Indigenous women, men and children in Colombia.

At every turn we heard firsthand about the military incursions, the threats and killings, the forced displacement from land coveted by others for its natural resources – all of which jeopardize not only individuals but the survival of entire cultures.

At the same time, we also heard deep appreciation for the solidarity we brought from afar, and are energized by the support we were able to provide - support that was only possible because of people like you.

We delivered photos of activists in Canada holding up solidarity messages, as well as written messages of concern from all across our country, and enormous signed banners calling for Justice for Kimy, an Indigenous leader whose "disappearance" ten years ago is such an emblematic case amidst ongoing violence and impunity. We were told over and over again that these symbols of our support are vitally important.
Indeed, we come back from this human rights mission enormously proud of our advocacy for Indigenous rights in Colombia and more convinced than ever that it needs to remain a priority for Amnesty International's campaigning efforts.
By our presence in Colombia last week, we didn't just show solidarity with people who have ample reasons to fear for their communities' collective survival. We made tangible steps to protect their safety and their future by making visible our concern and raising the profile of this crisis internationally. We achieved coverage in the media and raised the issues in a meeting with Canada’s Ambassador in Colombia. We gathered testimonies to share with decision makers here in Canada, and had important discussions with determined defenders of Indigenous rights which will help us to shape the hard work that must come in the months ahead.
Please read a message from my colleague Kathy Price, who has worked so tirelessly on this campaign:  "It has been incredibly hard to listen to the horrendous testimonies of violence and persecution shared by Indigenous women and men ... "  continue reading

I can't thank you enough for standing behind us in this important work.
Sincerely,

Alex