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 Afflicted by the violence of state and drug trafficking forces; police, military, and civil corruption; a brutal and indifferent US border policy; economic depredation; and the iron river of guns from the US commercial market, Ciudad Juárez has been called the "epicenter of pain." Murder rates have declined significantly, offering a window to visit and understand a city that has experienced more than ten thousand murders in the last six years. Both Juárez and its sister city, El Paso, Texas, are also the sites of creative and courageous activism and nonviolent resistance.
This delegation is an unequaled opportunity for community leaders, pastors, activists, and journalists from around the U.S. to learn first-hand about the violence in Juárez, its causes and human impacts, and be inspired by what they are doing about it. Read more.
 By Susana Pimiento
On November 15, the International Criminal Court gave Colombia a clear warning that the Court expects accountability at the senior level for the serious crimes that fall under its jurisdiction, or else it may pursue a formal investigation. The Court took a serious look at extrajudicial killings committed by the Colombian armed forces and found that such killings of civilians, also known as "false positives," were part of a state policy, and not just isolated 'bad apples', as the Colombian government has argued. Read more.
 By Maureen Maya, Journalist and Social Researcher
As delegates of the Colombian government and FARC guerrillas were getting ready to begin negotiations, guerrilla leader Iván Marquez, gave a surprising public message: "The FARC secretariat orders all guerrilla units in the entire national territory to cease all offensive military operations" from November 20 to January 20. The FARC's proposal is a sign of their good will and reflects their disposition to move forward toward a political solution to the armed conflict. But it remains difficult to guarantee the reduction of violent actions throughout the country, or for a cease-fire to realistically diminish the pressures and tensions present in this fragile peace process. Read more.
 By Gina Spigarelli
On some days in La Unión, the war is a faint pulse in the background -- a far-off helicopter heard but not seen, or a military troop walking by on their way to a distant destination. On those days, to an outsider, La Unión is like any small town in the world. Neighbors talk about their days -- about the cake being baked down the road or the baby with a cold. They work their fields in the hot sun and convene in the center of town when it sets. On other days, the war permeates every moment. Read more.
 By Susana Pimiento
Recent US news has been flooded with stories of generals David Petraeus and John Allen, both involved in what is perceived as improper conduct. The scandals cost Gen. Petraeus his position as head of the CIA and Allen's promotion to command US troops in Europe. The speedy strict consequences in both cases contrast with the fate of four Colombian army officers who, despite their involvement in outrageous crimes, have been chosen for promotion. Read more.
A special gift of Peace Community chocolate for your donation
Our peace accompaniment and advocacy work in San José de Apartadó costs money. Specifically, it costs FOR $300 per week to host a peace accompanier in Colombia.
So, at the end of our fifteenth year of our presence there, we want to send a special gift from the Peace Community for those who support our work in Colombia.
Make a donation of $300 today and receive the Peace Community's organic fair-trade chocolate as our thanks.
Thank you for your ongoing support! |
