Colombia Support Network: Human Rights for Colombia

CSN MISSION STATEMENT

Colombia Support Network is an activist grassroots organization that works through sister communities to help Colombians create a peaceful participatory democracy and an economically just Colombian society. We condemn violations of human rights by all actors involved in the conflict, including guerrilla groups, military, paramilitary, police, multinational corporations and foreign agents, including U.S. defense contractors. We support and provide political space for organizations and individuals that work for a non-violent, just political solution to the conflict in Colombia.

I. GOAL AND PROGRAM - Sister Communities

To organize and coordinate a movement of local CSN chapters in the U.S. that maintain direct relationships with peace-seeking sister communities in violence-torn regions of Colombia.

ACTIVITIES:

Delegations to and from sister communities in Colombia.
Personal and regular communications with our sister communities about conditions, events, needs, and hopes.
Where possible, direct aid to sister communities.

II. GOAL AND PROGRAM - Human Rights in Colombia

To promote human rights in Colombia (as defined by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights) that are necessary grounds for the creation and maintenance of civil society and grassroots democracy in that country.

ACTIVITIES:

Create and distribute "Urgent Actions" worldwide based on information supplied by Colombian social organizations, peace communities and churches to initiate actions for the protection of communities and individuals under siege.
Influence U.S. policy through
1. educational/lobbying efforts with the U.S. Congress and Administration
2. non-violent demonstrations
3. encouragement and organization of Congressional delegations to Colombia
Serve as an active link within the national and international network of Colombia peace and justice organizations.
Support and actively participate in international campaigns for peace and justice that originate in Colombia.
Support and actively participate in the U.S. peace and justice movement.

III. GOAL AND PROGRAM - Corporations and Democracy

To expose the complicity of multinational corporations in anti-democratic and repressive activities as they relate to Colombia, and promote the alternative of a grassroots, democratic civil society.

ACTIVITIES:

Development of a model "Colombia Law" similar to the anti-apartheid laws of the 1980s.
Promote human rights in Colombia (see Goal #2)
Educational/Outreach activities in the U.S. (see Goal #4)

IV. GOAL AND PROGRAM - Education and Outreach

To educate the U.S. public about the realities of the conflict in Colombia and U.S. policies toward Colombia.

ACTIVITIES:

Public presentations
Websites
Publications

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