Colombia: Oil palm plantation in Chocó destroys the livelihood of Afro-Colombian population

In 1997 the Afro-Colombian population of the communities of Curvaradó and Jiguamiandó in the Chocó district, Colombia, was forcibly evicted from its territory by paramilitary forces. The collective territory was unlawfully occupied by firms investing in oil palm plantations. The destruction of natural resources continues. Cases of murder, torture and disappearances have been denounced.

The Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe Velez should take urgent measures to stop the expansion of the plantations in the areas occupied by the firms. Furthermore, he should facilitate the safe return of the afro Colombian communities to their land. Please send letters to President Uribe Velez and copies to Vice-President Santos and to the ombudsman Pérez Ortiz. Please keep the Inter Church Commission Justice and Peace informed.