==================================
While it does not aim to halt the
three-decade-old war, the media
offensive calls for all sides to
"play fair" and respect the rights
of non-combatants and adhere to
international humanitarian law.
==================================
AAP NEWSFEED

Monday, 4 May 1998


Play fair in war ICRC tells soccer-mad Colombia 
----------------------------------------------- 


BOGOTA -- The International Committee of the Red Cross launches a media 
campaign this week playing on Colombia's burning passion for soccer to 
appeal to the nation's warring factions to respect civilian rights. 

Television advertisements and a series of posters, which carry the slogan 
"Play Fair", are timed to coincide with the build-up to next month's World 
Cup soccer tournament in France, in which Colombia is competing. 

The ad campaign, previewed by local media today, is directed at Colombia's 
Marxist guerrillas, right wing paramilitary fighters and the armed forces 
who are waging Latin America's bloodiest civil conflict. 

While it does not aim to halt the three-decade-old war, the media offensive 
calls for all sides to "play fair" and respect the rights of non-combatants 
and adhere to international humanitarian law. 

"Play Fair! Don't Foul! Respect the civilian population, the Red Cross emblem 
and the lives of combatants out of combat. Respect the rules of 
international humanitarian law," reads the message on one poster, which 
also shows a soccer player with both hands raised being sanctioned for a 
foul by a referee.

International soccer federation FIFA uses a "Fair Play" campaign to 
encourage soccer players to cut down on violent play in international 
matches.

Colombia's long-running conflict in the last 10 years. In the same period, 
almost one million peasants have been forced to flee their homes because of 
fighting between opposing factions.

Last week a right wing death squad massacred 22 villagers in northwest 
Antioquia province. The guerrillas and the armed forces are also accused of 
systematically violating the rights of civilians, whom they target on 
suspicion of siding with their rivals.

Copyright 1998 AAP Information Services Pty. Ltd.