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Key Text Civil Society Under Siege in Colombia

Author: V Bouvier
Date: 2004
Size: 16 pages (180 KB)

Summary

How can the US facilitate conflict resolution in Colombia? Peace today appears to be more elusive than ever, after five decades of simmering conflict. As foreign aid, drug money and corruption bolster the armed forces, guerrillas and paramilitaries, the armed conflict is intensifying in scope and brutality. Colombia ranks among the top 10 oil producers but two thirds of its population live in poverty. It produces 90 per cent of the world's cocaine and 70 per cent of US heroin.

US engagement in Colombia has been growing, and it has more troops and civilian contractors on the ground than ever before. Colombia is the fourth largest recipient of US aid, some of which can now legally be used for counter-insurgency training. This United States Institute of Peace report seeks to encourage discussion of the US role and facilitate peaceful and sustainable conflict resolution. It is based on a 2003 delegation visit, interviewing government, military, judiciary, church, labour union and civil society stakeholders.

Since President Uribe came to power in 2002 pledging military victory, the guerrillas have also intensified their violence. FARC guerrillas dominate the coca-cultivating areas and the smaller ELN group target the oil-producing zones. Paramilitary groups have also gained strength and engage in human rights violations and drug trafficking.

Security for much of the civilian population has deteriorated. Political violence kills some 19 civilians a day, up from 12 in 2000. There are disappearances, kidnappings, torture cases, death threats and arbitrary detention. Both government and paramilitary forces are implicated.
Political space for legitimate dissent and the defence of basic human rights is being undermined. A range of vital democratic activities such as freedom of association have been criminalised. Those who seek political solutions are seen as complicit with terrorism, and those who critique coca eradication practices complicit with drug traffickers.
Dire human needs continue to go unaddressed, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis. Colombia's numerous displaced communities lack electricity, water, sanitation, health care, jobs and food.
A vibrant civil society is engaged in a search for peace, despite the stalled national peace process and life-threatening circumstances. Churches, NGOs and local and regional authorities are designing and implementing programmes offering alternatives to violence. Some are engaging in dialogues with local paramilitary and guerrilla forces to establish peace zones respected by armed actors.

There is much the US could do to improve the chances of reconciliation in Colombia while at the same time more effectively pursuing its counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism agenda.

Local and regional peace initiatives are laying the groundwork for confidence-building measures that could lead to broader initiatives for peace. Dialogue is an essential stepping-stone
The US can support efforts to address basic human needs such as access to food, water, clothing, shelter and employment.
Alternative development options are needed to address the root causes of poverty and injustice at the local level. An integrated approach includes human rights and culture as well as economic alternatives.
The US can support effective demobilisation programmes. Addressing security concerns is vital to create the conditions for this.
Re-establishing the rule of law and creating conditions that will increase confidence in the judicial system are essential. The US has supported initiatives such as ombudsmen, witness protection, and bodyguards. However magistrates and public defenders are threatened by both militants and government budget cuts.

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Source: Bouvier, V. M., 2004, ‘Civil Society Under Siege in Colombia’, Special Report 114, United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C.
Author: United States Institute of Peace (USIP), http://www.usip.org