elon221a

Colombia

Page history last edited by Coral Zayas 2 yrs ago

The long-running conflict in Colombia has left tens of thousands dead and has been described by the UN as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Introduction

Colombia is a country of many ethnicities. There are indigenous Indians, Afro-Colombians, and Spanish ancestry found throughout Colombia. Colombia has many natural resources including gold, silver, emeralds, coal, and platinum. Colombia has been in almost constant civil war since the 1960s and has the world's second highest level of IDPs due to conflict, internally displaced persons, second only to Sudan. The conflict is extremely complicated it involves three groups in Colombia the nation's army, leftist guerilla movements, and right wing paramilitary but they are not along the US has a major role in Colombian affairs especially since 2002 when Plan Colombia was passed in Congress.

Background 2000- present

To understand Colombia's present situation it's best to explain the complicated political situation. The following explanation of the three main forces in Colombia should shed some light on this situation. There have been issues with drugs for a very long time. Extreme violence is seen throughout the country’s history, groups will murder other groups leaders multiply times throughout history, if they are not murdered many disappear. Politics in Colombia are very corrupt at different points different leaders will be working with different parties and many benefit from the drug trade. While legislation has been passed to help the minority majority in Colombia it really is not making a difference in their living situation.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) was officially formed in 1964, when it declared its intention to use armed struggle to seize power. This is the largest of the rebel groups there are smaller ones working for the same cause as well.

The United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) has its roots in the 1980s militias set up by drugs lords to combat rebel kidnappings and extortion.

This right-wing umbrella group is the right-ring paramilitary. This group was originally set up by landowners who wanted protection against the rebel groups. This group in also entangled with drug trafficking and are backed by the police as well as the military. This group is usually talked about as the paramilitaries but the full name for the party is the AUC- the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia.

Human Costs of this dispute

Three million have been displaced as armed groups bombard their villages, and subject them to massacres. Those forced from their homes often suffer from hunger and poor health and are denied basic social services. Indigenous groups say the fighting serves to hide the fact they have been driven off their land, which is endowed with natural resources.

US Role in Colombia and Plan Colombia

July 2000-Pastrana's "Plan Colombia" wins almost $1 billion dollars in mainly military aid from the US to fight drug-trafficking and rebels who profit and protect the trade. Hundreds of Colombian citizens have been extradited to the US to face trial for trafficking, under a two-way deal. Many NGO groups are working with the indigenous population and the Afro-Colombian population the main groups that have been displaces because of the fighting. All those being affected by this war are wanted US citizens to push this legislation to be either more equal or more of the money to be directed to be sent to social programs to help those IDPs. Plan Colombia money helps to train forces and equip them to root out smugglers and eliminate coca crops.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

The LAWG is also concerned that the reliance on military aid "pours fuel on the fire".

The group objects to support for a military whose human rights record has allegedly worsened since 2000. It cites reports of collaboration between the army and the paramilitaries, who are accused of civilian massacres.

The group is calling for a new focus on social aid and diplomatic efforts to promote human rights and encourage a negotiated end to the armed conflict.

"The US worsens Colombia's violence by our demand for drugs - therefore we have to be responsible," executive director Lisa Haugaard says.

The debate looks set to continue.