Neo-paramilitary groups preventing return of Colombia’s displaced: HRW
Neo-paramilitary groups preventing return of Colombia’s displaced: HRW
posted by Daniel Freeman
Sep 17, 2013
“If Colombia does not take further action to stop the (death threats, intimidation, and killing), the problem [facing Colombia's displaced] is likely to get much worse,” said the Human Rights Watch in a report released Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch (HRW), an international NGO dedicated to preserving and protecting human rights across the world, released a report of an investigation almost two years in the making about Colombia’s internally displaced population and their journey back to their homelands.
The investigation included interviews with 250 Colombians who are either displaced and are now trying to fight for their land back, or public officials linked to the issue.
The testimonies revealed that throughout efforts to return to their homes and reclaim their property, these displaced citizens have been abused due to incidents of death threats, intimidation, and murder.
Since 1985, 4.8 million Colombians have been displaced from their homes generating the worlds largest population of internally displaced people according to HRW. These displaced Colombians have had to abandon an estimated six hectares of land, much of which various armed groups still hold captive. These lands and properties in question can be found in the Departments of Antioquia, Bolivar, Cesar, Choco, Cordoba, La Guajira, Sucre, Tolima, and even in parts of Bogota, Colombia’s capital city.
More:
http://colombiareports.co/internally-displaced-colombians-still-long-road-home-hrw/