COLOMBIA: Small Farmers, CPT join Workers Day demonstration in Antioquia; international delegation planned

Flickr image by Campanero Rumbero

Recent trade agreements and the adoption of the new National Development Plan only heighten the damaging effects of this exclusionary economic model that will only benefit a small sector of society while undermining the rights of the majority at the expense of their own subsistence.

The organization Corporation for Coexistence and Peace in Northeast of Antioquia (CAHUCOPANA) organized a demonstration for the International Workers' Day, 1 May, 2011 in Segovia, Antioquia. Founded in 2004, CAHUCOPANA is an organization of small farmers. They recognize the need to unite to ensure the respect for their human rights.

CPT took part in the demonstration and is planning an international delegation with CAHUCOPANA 14-27 July, 2011. (For more information on the delegation contact delegations@cpt.org.)

During the speech at Segovia's central park, the police were filming the event from the police station's roof. CPT and IAP (International Action for Peace) shared their concerns with the officers, but the police kept on filming. 

On the same night, recognized paramilitaries entered the place where the demonstrators were sleeping, generating fear.

The following is part of the main speech at the event:   

MEMORIAL, DEMONSTRATION AND CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORKING CLASS, SEGOVIA FIRST OF MAY 2011

Read More

Photo Credit