TOWARD TRUE ALTERNATIVES
TO COCA: Ways Forward for USAID
in Colombia
(download PDF)

OTHER LWR PROJECTS


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ACTION UPDATE We have good news to share about Colombia: and it’s the result of your hard work

“Most people do not hear our message. Now you have our stories and can share the truth with others.”

- LWR Colombia delegate, April 2002

GIVE PEACE A PLACE

In partnership with Colombian churches, humanitarian and human rights organizations, and faithful U.S. advocates we work to achieve:

• A Place to Live for Colombia’s three million internally displaced persons
  
  
• A Place at the Negotiating Table for those victimized by war to share their knowledge and recommendations on the necessary steps to achieving a true and sustainable peace, and
  
  
• A Place in U.S. Policy for Colombian peace and humanitarian leaders, experts in the realities of war and the work for peace, to advocate for policies that protect civilians, promote sustainable development, and peace agreements that include truth, justice and reparations.

Give Peace a Place connects the courageous peacemakers of Colombia with caring advocates in churches and communities across the U.S. We continue to be greatly enriched by our experiences together. Our Colombian partners provide incredible examples of what it means to live out the gospel call for love, mercy, compassion and justice, and we are inspired by the creative ways in which U.S. communities put faith in action and advocate for peace and justice in Colombia.

Our work is focused on two regions in Colombia: Bucaramanga located in West Central Colombia and Montes de Maria on the North Atlantic Coast. These regions were chosen based on need, the position of our partners, and our ability to make a meaningful difference.

Give Peace a Place -- more about our work >>

Support a new Colombia policy that helps meet the needs of internally displaced people. LWR postcards will get your message to Washington by April. To order post cards e-mail advocacy@lwr.org Download preview PDF of the post cards you will receive: | Colombia | New LWR resources to guide prayer, reflection and action on peace in Colombia. Congregations and individuals interested in learning more about peace and conflict in Colombia can download these materials directly or order copies by calling 800.LWR.LWR.2 and indicating the item#. A background on the Colombian conflict item# GPAP1 Bulletin Insert item# GPAP2 A guide to Prayer and Worship item# GPAP3 LWR advocacy "asks" for Colombia item# GPAP4 LWR statement on violence against community and church leaders in Córdoba, Colombia. Download the statement here. Paramilitaries' Heirs: The New Face of Violence in Colobmbia The newest Human Rights First Report documents widespread abuses by successor paramilitary groups in Colombia—including regions where LWR partners work and where they face increasing threats and aggressions. Download a Summary of the Report and Recommendations Download the Full 122 Page Report Senate Members Call for Change in Colombia Policy in Letter to Secretary of State Clinton. To read the content of the letter, download here.     Congress sends strong message to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking her to take a lead on improved policy in Colombia. LWR constituents played an important role in securing the support of many congressional representatives for this letter. To read the content of the letter, download here.   Defend the Defenders Campaign. An international campaign supported by LWR to protect the lives and rights of those defending human rights in Colombia. Download and read the campaigns initial report "Under Fear" and recommendations. To join the campaign e-mail aromoser@lwr.org     After Plan Colombia. An important report evaluating initial Colombia and US government support for "integrated action" — a civic-military model representing the newest phase of Plan Colombia. Download here.   A New President: A New Policy for Colombia In the coming months, our country will look with hope to a new Administration and Congress for leadership and innovation on key foreign policy issues. During this crucial transition time, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) will work to ensure that U.S. - Colombia policy receives the attention and changes it deserves from important policy-makers, but we need your help to do this. A Compass for Colombia Policy An excellent document that outlines detailed recommendations for the next U.S. administration and Congress regarding Colombia. LWR is pleased to share this informatve32-page document with you and encourages you to use it as a resource as you continue to educate yourself about U.S. - Colombia policy, carry out your own important advocacy on this issue and work in partnership with LWR to promote a more just and peaceful U.S. policy for Colombia. ( download PDF in English ) ( PDF En Español ) To order a free hard copy contact Annalise Romoser at aromoser@lwr.org

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLOMBIA Plan Colombia: Six Years Later Adam Isacson of the Center for International Policy wrote this report after traveling to Putamayo and Medellin. It contains telling information about how Plan Colombia has affected those areas as well as Colombia as a whole. Click here to download the document. Blueprint for a New Colombia Policy An invaluable resource written with input from many Colombia experts and published by the Latin America Working Group, the Blueprint clearly defines the policy that we hope to see Congress support for Colombia. Click here to download the document A Mass for El Salado Report by Patricia Forner written from Barranquilla, February 27, 2005 LWR Partner Recognized by Congressional Women's Caucus LIMPAL the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom in Colombia, was recognized on International Women's Day for their work for peace in Colombia. A Dear Colleague letter authored and signed by the bipartisan Congressional Women's Caucus praising LIMPAL's relentless pursuit of peace and the rights of all women. Click here to read the letter. Download a Map of Colombia

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy and social responsibility.

YOU CAN HELP

Ask Others to Advocate with LWR - Sign-Up Sheet
Initiate your advocacy efforts is in your home community. Ask your congregation, neighbors, family and friends to join with you in working for peace, justice and dignity for our brothers and sisters around the world by signing up to receive occasional LWR advocacy updates. Copy this resource and send filled in copies to LWR.

Join LWR's Advocacy email network.

For more information, please contact advocacy@lwr.org.