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ACTION ALERT ON COLOMBIA
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LWR URGES YOU TO HELP PROTECT INGRID VERGARA's LIFE IN COLOMBIA
May 1, 2008

Ms. Ingrid Vergara is a local leader of Colombia’s National Movement for Victims of State Crimes and an important partner of Lutheran World Relief. In September 2007 Ingrid visited members of LWR’s Sal y Luz communities in the Midwest. She spoke passionately and knowledgably about current conditions for human rights activists in Colombia.

Last year, Ingrid received death threats for her work as a human rights leader in Colombia. Sadly this April, Ingrid and her family were again threatened. LWR is deeply concerned about their safety in this volatile environment.

While Ingrid’s case is especially upsetting for Lutheran World Relief and you, our advocates, her situation is not uncommon in Colombia. It is reported that in 2005 alone at least 41 human rights defenders were murdered or “disappeared.” Human rights workers, like Ingrid, are an important part in making peace possible in Colombia. Without their hard work, knowledge and dedication much of the positive change in U.S. policy toward Colombia this past year would not have been possible. LWR asks that you call your member of Congress to voice concern for the threats made against Ingrid, her family and those threatened each year in Colombia.

Take Action

Call your representative and senators to express your concern for Ms. Ingrid Vergara’s safety and the safety of her family. Urge them to contact the Colombian Ambassador, Carolina Barco, in the United States and the State Department Assistant Secretary of Human Rights and Labor, David Kramer.

Request that when calling the Ambassador and Assistant Secretary your member of Congress:

• Calls for increased protection measures of Ms. Ingrid Vergara and her family immediately—including protection by the Colombia National Police-Sucre section.
  
  
• Asks that a full investigation take place into the threats against her and her family.

To contact your member of Congress call the national switchboard at 202-224-3121

Thank You for considering this action. Your calls will play an important role in guaranteeing the safety of LWR’s partners and their families.

WHO IS LWR? Lutheran World Relief, an international nonprofit organization, works to end poverty and injustice by empowering some of the world's most impoverished communities to help themselves. With partners in 35 countries, LWR seeks to promote sustainable development with justice and dignity by helping communities bring about change for healthy, safe and secure lives; engage in Fair Trade; promote peace and reconciliation; and respond to emergencies. LWR is headquartered in Baltimore, Md. and has worked in international development and relief since 1945.

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

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

 

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