Human Rights Crisis Deepens

CREDHOS, January 23, 2003

The Regional Corporation for the Defense of Human Rights - CREDHOS - reports that so far in the year of 2003, 10 men and 4 women of the civilian population have been murdered, by the United Self Defense Forces of Colombia, AUC. The murders took place in the working class neighborhoods of Barrancabermeja. Four of the murdered people were left with hand written sign implying that they were collaborating with the guerrillas.

These events occurred with complete impunity, and last December AUC announced publicly that selective assassinations will begin again during the month, with the threat that a group of civilians of the city that are on a list in the AUC's possession would be assassinated.

The 14 crimes took place in spite of the fact that the Central Bolivar Block - BCB, that operates in the city announced and end to the assassinations of civilians, which they are not following, which in turn reflects the lack of will for peace on the part of this illegal armed group and it demonstrates their decision to keep violating Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

All these selective assassinations occurred without the sate authorities making the slightest announcement, and much less taking action that would slow down this tide of criminality.

These facts reveal that the situation of Human Rights is becoming graver, in spite of the fact that the military and police authorities assure that they have control in every last corner of the city, and pat themselves on the back saying that "Barrancabermeja is a refuge of peace." The statistics are conclusive: in 2002, 117 civilians were murdered, 60 were disappeared and 1965 people were displaced, in addition the events that we are denouncing now in this year. They try to hide this situation because some members of the County Government believe that it will harm foreign investment in the city.

We Call On:

• The State authorities present in the county of Barrancabermeja to take up with seriousness and commitment the defense of life and human rights of the citizens of this city.
• The Colombian State and the National Government to carry out the pertinent investigations to find the facts of these events and review the conduct of the public officials whose responsibility is to prevent the horrible occurrences included in this report.
• The United Self Defense Forces of Colombia, AUC, to cease their criminal actions against the citizens of the city and region; respecting the norms established in International Humanitarian Law.

We Ask:

• That the international community become aware of and follow the events as they occur and intercede on behalf of the people of Barrancabermeja and the region, before the Colombian Government so that the life and human rights of the inhabitants of this region be respected.

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