Diversifying US assistance funds to Colombia can strengthen path to stability
May 9, 2007A spotlight recently shined on United States (US) assistance to Colombia. Reports of Colombian politicians’ alleged paramilitary connections and questions about the local effects of the US-sponsored drug eradication program resulted in broader reflection. President Uribe’s visit underscored the critical relationship between the two countries.
Current concerns should not obscure significant strides towards peace, particularly those led by women. Women are helping stabilize the country and have demonstrated courageous leadership, even as they suffer as victims of the conflict. Recent efforts by women on the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation and the Women’s Caucus in the Colombian Congress highlight important women’s leadership.
The National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation, established under the 2005 Justice and Peace Law, faces numerous challenges. Because of funding constraints, a single staff member addresses the concerns of seven different constituent groups, including ethnic minorities, the disabled, children, and women. Additionally, the Commission’s mandate centers on reparation and reconciliation to the exclusion of efforts to unearth and document the truth. Recently, the two female members of the Commission issued a statement calling for establishment of a National Truth Commission to address the responsibility of all armed actors (rather than just the AUC) to strengthen the transitional justice process.
The current political environment has not deterred the Women’s Congressional Caucus (Bancada de Mujeres). Its twenty-six members continue to work across party lines and have developed a consensus platform promoting health, political, and labor rights for women. The Caucus has already achieved passage of laws on gender-based violence and violence against children.
Take Action!
We urge the US Congress to support women-led efforts that help secure Colombia’s path to stability. Colombian women have consistently shown their ability to advance the peace process. They deserve the full support of the US.
Here are actions that you and your Member might take:
- Highlight women’s efforts in congressional briefings and hearings.
- Ensure the upcoming Congressional Delegation to Colombia meets with the National Commission for Reparation and Reconciliation and the Congressional Women’s Caucus.
- Call on the US Administration to press the Colombian government to politically and financially support women’s groundbreaking initiatives.
- Draft a sign-on (“Dear Colleague”) letter to President Bush and Secretary of State Rice demanding they act to support women-led efforts in Colombia. Specific requests might include:
- Encouraging the Colombian government to answer the call for a National Agreement for the Truth;
- Urging the Colombian government to support a permanent Women’s Caucus in the Colombian Congress; and
- Advocating for US support for creation of a Colombian Truth Commission.
For more information, please contact Miki Jacevic at 202.403.2000 or at jacevic@huntalternatives.org.
Please contact the persons listed below:
US Government
Nicholas Burns
Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Office of Political Affairs
US Department of State
Tel: 202.647.1598
Fax: 202.647.4780
Paula Dobriansky
Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs
US Department of State
Tel: 202.647.6240
Fax: 202.647.0753
Charles Shapiro
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Andean Affairs)
Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs
US Department of State
Tel: 202.647.6755
Fax: 202.647.0949
Adolfo Franco
Assistant Administrator
Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean
USAID
Tel: 202.712.4800
Email: afranco@usaid.gov
William B. Wood
US Ambassador to Colombia
Tel: 011.571.315.0811
Fax: 011.57.1.315.2197
Email: AmbassadorB@state.gov
Liliana Ayalde
Director, USAID Colombia Mission
Tel: 011.571.423.6880
Fax: 011.571.315.3528
Colombian Government
Ambassador Carolina Barco
Colombian Ambassador to the United States
The Embassy of Colombia
Tel: 202.387.6480
Fax: 202.232.8643
Email: emwas@colombiaemb.org
Fernando Araujo
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tel: 011.571.562.7758
Fax: 011.571.562.7836
Email: cancilleria@cancilleria.gov.co
Dilian Francisca Toro Torres
Senate President
Tel: 011.571.382.3400
Email: dilian.toro.torres@senado.gov.co
European Union
Adrianus Koetsenruijter
Head of European Commission Delegation to Colombia
European Union
Tel: 011.571.658.1150
Fax: 011.571.658.1179
Email: Delegation-colombia@cec.eu.int
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