COMMUNIQUE

Women in Black of Madrid want to draw the current situation in Colombia to the attention of the International Community.

Although many might prefer not to speak of war in Colombia, there is no doubt that this is an armed conflict where violence has become the only way to resolve any problem, be it economic, territorial, political, social organization, even family life.

In our conviction that conflicts can be resolved by peaceful means and as women against war, we must initiate the path to denounce violence.

We cannot agree with statements that violence is inevitable; neither is the culture and heritage of the people of Colombia violent, nor are the structural causes of violence without solution. We are on the side of taking measures against impunity and to initiate processes in the interest of education for peace.

The International Network of Women against War has as one of its goals the support of and solidarity with the pacifist women who live in a situation of armed conflict. An integral part of our work for peace always includes the petition that the voices of women be heard.

Not only solidarity but also our commitment unites us with the Organizacion Femenina Popular (Women’s Organization of the People), the Ruta Pacifica (Pacific Route) and the Women in Black of all Colombia.

The National and International Campaign that we have initiated includes several points that we want to send out to our friends, to the Colombian people and to the institutions and governments of America and Europe.

-To disseminate the causes and the consequences of the war in Colombia:

instability in the area, which is maintained by political and economic interests; the economic and commercial invasion of big foreign corporations; military meddling on the part of other nations; hypocrisy relative to drug trafficking and weapons; fomenting of violence by both political and cultural institutions; illegal usurpation of lands; devastation of the environment; repression of civil organizations; loss of human rights; loss of entire generations…

-Solidarity and support for organizations, especially women’s groups, that work for peace with justice. Appeals to the governments of Colombia and Spain, and to European organizations, to unite their efforts in promoting a non-violent peace process and to strengthen their diplomatic relations and efforts for negotiation with a clear goal for a relaxation of tensions. With a further appeal that they protect and provide resources for these organizations. Further, that they be vigilant in protecting the lives of their members. And that there be an end to the deaths and displacements, both economic and political.

-Denunciation of threats and pressures against the Organizacion Femenina Popular of Barrancabermeja: assault against and total destruction of one of its houses, forceful coercion surrounding its work, death threats to its coordinators, physical and psychological harassment, intimidation of family members, including death threats to their own children. We demand that the Colombian and Spanish authorities protect these women and their families. And we demand that they not forget their duty to find the criminals responsible, to meet out appropriate and sure penalties to put an end to impunity… and that they carry out their duty to protect infants and children of the entire world.

-International Day of Action in the streets in support of peace in Colombia:

A call to all social groups in Colombia that in their search for peace they not be a party to the armed conflict.

For the dignity of the Colombian people.

For social development without violence.

For the reconstruction of civil organizations and institutions.

For a peace process with social justice.

For the right to life.

For the right to be true members of the civil society.

For the right to have a family.

For the right of women to organize freely.

Women in Black of Madrid
December 2001