Author: Ana Pereyra Baron
What’s Going On?
Between 2002-2008, at least 6,402 young, defenseless Colombians were killed and falsely portrayed as guerilla fighters, according to Colombia’s transitional justice court, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. Often luring the victims by false promises of jobs, Colombian army soldiers killed these young men and dressed them in guerilla clothing to claim they were combatants. These bodies were presented as guerilla fighters killed in combat, also known as “false positives.” These crimes were motivated by body count incentives in which soldiers and officers earned promotions and days off for combat kills. Álvaro Uribe Vélez, the president during most of that time, has yet to be held accountable for these horrific crimes committed under his watch. The mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, spouses and children of these victims are still waiting for justice.
What’s Happening Now?
The National Movement of Victims of State Crimes or Movimiento de Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado, (MOVICE) brings together more than 200 organizations of victims of forced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, selective killings, and internal displacement, as well as accompanying organizations and human rights defenders. Some of Colombia’s leading human rights organizations and MOVICE members are seeking universal jurisdiction in the Argentine justice system to investigate the criminal responsibility of former President Uribe and other individuals who have not been investigated by the Colombian courts. The legal principle of universal jurisdiction is based on the notion that the fight against impunity is borderless.
On Wednesday, March 6th, MOVICE released a petition to seek international support for this courageous complaint. This is where you come in.
What Can You Do?
You can take action with a simple click and sign the petition here!
By signing this petition:
- YOU are standing with victims of forced disappearances and extrajudicial executions in Colombia.
- YOU are supporting Colombian groups asking the Argentine justice system to investigate who gave the order for these crimes against humanity
- YOU are defending human rights and accompanying human rights defenders in their search for truth and justice for their loved ones.
This is a historical step towards truth, justice, and non-repetition! #JusticiaParaLas6.402. Take action now!
Feel free to tweet about this petition and share this action alert with your networks! As always, thank you for taking action!
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