International Human Rights Observers Denied Visas

Christian Peacemaker Teams' Work in Barrancabermeja

Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) has had a team in Barrancabermeja, Colombia since May 2001. CPT also has peace-keepers in Hebron, Iraq, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Canada. They were invited by the Colombian Mennonite Church (nationally) which has various projects in violence reduction and by the displaced and formerly displaced families of rural Ciénaga del Opón township(locally).

Accompaniment Assists Displaced Families and Protects Lives

The number of politically motivated assasinations and disapearances of civilians such as these in the area has sky-rocketes since the AUC paramilitary gained control of the township in 1989. There were 420-485 assassinations in 2001 alone, according to local human rights organizations I visited with CPT in Oct. 2002. CPT-Colombia members accompany civilian communities and individuals who are in danger because of continuing violence. This international peace presence has facilitated the return of over 100 displaced families in the Ciénaga del Opón and protected the lives and work of employees of local human rights organizations, workers' unions, farmers' associations, and a grassroots women's organization.

No Visa Renewals or New Visas for CPT

Over the past two years, CPT was able to maintain a rotating team of full-time members in Barrancabermeja. These individuals were issued Religious Worker Visas or NGO Volunteer Visas valid for 1-2 years. No visa renewals or new visas have been granted to CPTers applying since May, 2002, leaving dangerously few volunteers with appropriate visas to carry out CPT’s work in Colombia. If there are no new visa approvals, and as the existing visas expire, the team will continue to shrink, leaving the civilian population of the Ciénaga del Opón at even greater risk.

Colombians Taking Risks by Taking Place of Internationals

For that reason, my two friends, who feel strongly about protecting the rights of their fellow Colombian civilians, are accepting the obvious risk of placing themselves between an illegal armed group, who has shown no respect for civilian lives in the region, and their targets. There needs to be international pressure brought to bear on the Colombian government to issue more visas for international peacekeepers who can do the job without risking their own lives to the extent that Colombians must.

International Pressure Results in One New Visa for CPT

United States Congressman Lane Evans (D-IL) initiated a “Dear Colleague” Letter in the House of Representatives asking President Uribe of Colombia to expedite visas for members of CPT (see text of letter below). Since then one new visa has been issued for an American CPT member.

Letter from US Senate Could Produce More Results

So far there is not an equivalent letter for the Senate. However, some Senators, such as Senator Durbin (D-IL) may be willing to send similar individual letters. With continued pressue there's bound to be more visa's issued. Because the US is providing Uribe's governmant with over a billion dollars annually in foreign aid for the conflict, United States citizens are power holders in this debate. Not only do we have influence, we deserve to know the human rights cost of a war we're funding. CALL your Senator’s DC office and urge him/her to SEND A LETTER to President Uribe of Colombia asking his assistance in expediting visas for members of CPT. Mention the House “Dear Colleague”Letter as a sample. Be ready to fax/e-mail the text of that sample letter to the Senator’s office. U.S. Congressional Switchboard: 202-224-3121; toll free: 800-839-5276.

Text of "Dear Colleague" Letter

Dear President Uribe, We are writing to express our concern regarding the denial of visas to religious volunteers with the Christian Peacemaker Teams(CPT)organization. The Christian Peacemaker Teams have been invited by the Mennonite Church of Colombia to serve in their violence reduction program. Team members have been unable to renew visas since May 2002, shrinking CPT’s presence from 8 to 3 full time members in Colombia. Furthermore, they have received few and inconsistent replies to their reasons for denials. We are concerned about the pattern of increasing harassment and attacks on Colombian church workers. Faith-based organizations, especially in war torn regions, provide necessary comfort and aid to civilians. In Barrancabermeja CPT’s ministry has allowed 100 displaced civilian families to return to their houses. While we understand the Government of Colombia has the right to control its immigration policies, we are concerned about the inability of peace-seeking religious workers to access their brothers and sisters in Colombia. Your assistance in expediting visas to members of the CPT would be appreciated. Sincerely, Members of U.S. Congress cc: Vice President Francisco Santos