September, 2007
Your Calls Needed

Call your representative today! Ask them to support House Resolution 618, which brings attention to the situation of Afro-Colombians and calls on the U.S. to actively consult with these communities.

Three out of every four Afro-Colombians live in extreme poverty. Only two percent are able to attend college. Their life expectancy is two decades shorter than non-blacks in Colombia. An estimated 1.5 million Afro-Colombians have been internally displaced by political violence. Meanwhile, aerial spraying is destroying many of the food crops traditionally grown by Afro-Colombians, leading to further displacement and insecurity.

The resolution points out that, “although a major beneficiary of United States foreign assistance, the Government of Colombia has not effectively addressed racial discrimination, violence, and social and political marginalization facing Afro-Colombians.” It points out that “the deaths and disappearances of Afro-Colombian community activists and human rights defenders are uninvestigated.” Introduced by Rep. Donald Payne during the August recess, H.R. 618 calls on the Colombian government to combat racial discrimination and protect Afro-Colombians from human rights violations. It also rightly urges the U.S. and Colombian governments to consult with Afro-Colombians while developing policies that will affect their communities.

Take Action! Call your representative today to urge them to support Afro-Colombians as they strive for dignity and security.

• Follow this link to read the resolution and to find out if your representative is one of 26 who are already co-sponsoring.

• Dial the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 to be connected.
• Ask to speak with the foreign policy aide.
• If they are unable to take your call, leave a message. (You can follow up with an email).