Colombia Sanctuary Project
Colombian Theologian and Human Rights Activist Assaulted by Paramilitary
On June 20, Colombian human rights activist and theologian Abilio Pena was assaulted and intimidated by known members of the Black Eagles paramilitary group in western Colombia. Abilio, two other human rights defenders from the Inter-Church Justice and Peace Commission, and a group of Afro-Colombians displaced from their lands were on their way to Curvarado, Choco, when men carrying machetes stopped and surrounded them for hours. The human rights defenders were to assist in the process of demarcating and returning land reportedly taken from Afro-Colombians by paramilitaries in 1996. The Commission advocates on behalf of the return of this land to its collective owners.
To learn more about this incident, follow this link: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Abilio/explanation
To take action to protect Colombian church activists, follow this link: http://action.humanrightsfirst.org/campaign/Abilio
Chicago Colombia Sanctuary Project is looking for church sponsors
The Chicago Colombia Sanctuary Project has received multiple requests for refuge from Colombian human rights workers who are under threat and must leave Colombia. CCSP is looking for congregations in the Chicago area who would be willing to host a Colombian individual or family.
A sanctuary recipient will need respite & hospitality, including:
