Why did tens of thousands of Colombian students, teachers and union activists protest last week? And why was former student leader Carlos Andrès Valencia killed in Colombia a few weeks ago?! Why has been this incident barely mentioned in the Colombian media? Have the critical human rights situation improved after president Santos took over for Uribe?
To share solidarity among student community all over the world ISU brings you the great opportunity to attend an unique presentation organized by SAIH (our parter organisation).
Students from Colombian students’ union ACEU (Asociación Colombiana de Estudiantes Universitarios) will speak about the alarming and unacceptable situation of students in Colombia and present a report which documents attacks on Colombian students.
Friday 15th 2011, time: 12.00-14.00 p.m.
Folkets hus, Youngs gate 11, meeting room”LO” on 10th floor, Oslo
Contact person: Kirsten Hov – kirsten.hov@saih.no, phone: 21063476
The conflict in Colombia is a forgotten conflict. The conflict is complex and goes far back in time. Union workers and students are increasingly exposed to threats, violence, disappearances and killings in Colombia. Different parts of the civilian population – both human rights defenders, trade unionists, lawyers, politicians and journalists – have been and remain victims of systematic oppression that continually restricts their work. Colombia’s paramilitary groups have direct contact with the government, and performs actions that the legal forces can not do. Colombia has now surpassed the Sudan, and is the country with the most internal refugees in the world. A large proportion of the displaced are afro-colombians and indigenous people.
UNESCO report, Education Under Attack from 2010 concluded that the systematic attack on education is increasing in scope. Both academic staff, schools, students and universities are increasingly exposed to violence and intimidation. These attacks are often politically motivated.
The earlier student leader in ACEU, Diego Marin, got political asylum in Norway. He had to flee the country in 2008 because of his student involvement and murder threats.
ISU supports the cause of students in Colombia against any kind of oppression. Come and show your support!
Very interesting… hope to keep the date open.
Good to broaden scope on Student Politics worldwide.
Thanks for the post!