Close to 3 million people have been forced to leave their homes as a result of Colombia's ongoing civil conflict. Many are children. Many are single mothers.
Nearly 50 percent of Colombia's displaced are unemployed, and those who find work usually obtain only poorly paid day labor. Faced with few options, some displaced - including children as young as ten - are recruited by armed groups or join voluntarily to escape poverty.
Meanwhile, church leaders who speak out against war and injustice face threats from armed groups. Communities already deeply affected by violence must face the added stress of losing a respected leader or a place of worship. Within the last year, close to 40 church leaders were murdered. Armed groups forced 43 churches to close their doors.
"We work for peace in ways that help people now."
-LWR partner
Churches and civil society organizations are leading the way in efforts to assist the internally displaced and bring peace to Colombia.
Our partners in Colombia
- In Chocó, LWR partner Consultancy for Human Rights and Displacement (CODHES) is working to protect and promote human rights while engaging in advocacy for people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.
- In northern Colombia, LWR partners with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) to provide housing, financial assistance, and training to displaced people.
- With help from LWR, the Christian Center for Justice, Peace and Active Non-Violence (JUSTAPAZ) is empowering people, churches and communities to practice active non-violence and to promote structures and lifestyles that support just and sustainable peace.
U.S. Advocacy Efforts
In the United States, LWR works to tell the stories of its partners in Colombia - stories of hope and faith amidst violence and destruction. Stories that aren't being heard over the battle cry of the war on drugs.
To date the United States has sent almost $3 billion in mostly military aid to Colombia in an effort to curb the drug trade and end the conflict.
The result? More violence, more internal displacement - and narcotrafficking continues. It is time for a new U.S. policy that will promote peace rather than fan the flames of violence.
Through our campaign to Give Peace a Place, Lutheran World Relief is working to make the dream of peace in Colombia a reality.
Working with partners in Colombia, bringing Colombian speakers to the United States, communicating action alerts and updates to communities around the country, and supporting community-based advocacy efforts, we are making a place for peace in Colombia - and in U.S. policy.
"Most people do not hear our message. Now you have our stories and can share the truth with others."
-LWR Colombia delegate, April 2002
Together, we will change minds - and votes - in Congress. We will send a message to partners in Colombia that we stand in Christian solidarity with them as they work for peace. And, we will learn what it means to answer the biblical call of justice for all. Join us today. Find a place for Colombia in your heart.
See this info in the form of a tri-fold brochure and print it for your church or community.
Explore the links on the right-hand side of the page. Download advocacy resources and a recent report about displaced people in Colombia, and read an interview with Ricardo Esquivia of LWR partner organization JUSTAPAZ.
