PBI-Colombia accompanied CAHUCOPANA needs protection guarantees as humanitarian crisis in Antioquia continues

On September 21, PBI-Colombia tweeted:

“In #Northeast Antioquia, @CAHUCOPANA works together with peasant mining communities in the construction #peace and defense of the territory. In the midst of the serious #humanitarian crisis are urgent protection guarantees [are needed] for leaders of #human rights organizations such as @CAHUCOPANA.”

Just last month, on August 19, CAHUCOPANA tweeted: “We report that unfortunately the lifeless body of the farmer, Elmer Lenin Guerra, a recognized inhabitant of the village of El Carmen #Remedios and sentimental partner of Yuliana Liceth Galeano, was found.” Yuliana, who had also been disappeared, was later found alive.

Following that, PBI-Colombia tweeted: “Guarantees are required for life in Northeast Antioquia.”

Carlos Arturo Morales Mallorga is a human rights defender, peasant farmer leader and the president of CAHUCOPANA.

On February 28, 2022, PBI-Colombia tweeted: “#ALERT Carlos Morales, human rights defender with @Cahucopana accompanied by PBI, was shot along with his wife last night in Barrancabermeja. In the midst of a very serious context of violence #NoHayGarantías [no guarantees] and it is #URGENT that the authorities take measures.”

Last month, Agencia de Prensa IPC also reported: “Carlos learned yesterday of the threat of the AGC against him and in the afternoon they informed him that they had held his two companions [Elmer and Yuliana].”

Meeting with Canadian Embassy

On August 11, the Embassy of Canada in Colombia tweeted: “Meeting with @PBIColombia and @CAHUCOPANA to discuss the humanitarian and security crisis in northeastern Antioquia. The situation is serious and the authorities must pay attention. We denounce the attacks and threats against communities and social leaders.”

PBI-Colombia has accompanied the Humanitarian Action Corporation for Coexistence and Peace in Northeast Antioquia (CAHUCOPANA) since 2013.