Re: Luis Eduardo Guerra Guerra and others, members of the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado
To: Senor Presidente Alvaro Uribe Velez, Presidente de la Republica
From: Heather D. Neun LL.B, M.Phil., B.A.
Date: 2005-03-28
I am writing in response to reports of the recent killings of Luis Eduardo Guerra Guerra, Bellanyra Areiza Guzmán, Deiner Andrés Guerra, Alfonso Bolívar Tuberquia Graciano, Sandra Milena Muñoz Pozo, Santiago Tuberquia Muñoz, Natalia Andrea Tuberquia Muñoz and Alejandro Pérez. LWRC has received reports that they were killed by men who identified themselves as members of the Colombian army.
LRWC calls for an immediate and thorough investigation of these killings, for the results obtained to be made public and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
LRWC also calls upon the government of Columbia to take swift and effective action to ensure the security and safety of inhabitants of the Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó.
The Government of Colombia is a signatory to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Colombia’s obligations to guarantee the physical safety of its citizens, investigate extra legal executions, and punish violations, also arise from Colombia’s membership in the Organization of American States (OAS) and the provisions of the American Convention on Human Rights.
The Government of Colombia is also obliged under international law to respect the right of the civilian population, including the inhabitants of the community of San José de Apartadó, not to be drawn into the conflict. The Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó was the subject of provisional protection from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Colombian Constitutional Court also requested effective protective measures in March 2004. LWRC deplores the fact that such protection by the Government was not forthcoming and calls on the Government to ensure that effective protective measures are immediately put in place.
Please advise LRWC by mail, e-mail or fax of the actions that the government of Colombia is taking to:
1. Investigate the deaths of Luis Eduardo Guerra Guerra, Bellanyra Areiza Guzmán, Deiner Andrés Guerra, Alfonso Bolívar Tuberquia Graciano, Sandra Milena Muñoz Pozo, Santiago Tuberquia Muñoz, Natalia Andrea Tuberquia Muñoz and Alejandro Pérez with the goal of identifying the person(s) responsible and bringing them to trial;
2. Protect and ensure the safety of the Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó.
LRWC awaits your response. Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
