heks

Colombia has been locked in armed conflict for over 40 years, a conflict which essentially revolves around the natural resources of the country. The primary-focus regions of the aid programme for the country are in those territories where the civil and armed conflict has been at its fiercest. The regions are also of strategic and economic importance, hence the heavy presence of armed activists (military and guerrilla forces).

The armed conflict, the execution of megaprojects, the cultivation of coca, monocropping for agricultural export and the production of agrofuels all lead to the dispossession and expulsion of the indigenous people by force. The civilian population is drawn into the war by the heavy military presence in daily life and the demands of the armed activists. The consequences are serious abuses of human rights, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, violence, poverty, hunger, uprooting, and the destruction of social networks and traditional values.

HEKS has been working in Colombia since the 1980s and, having witnessed the internal displacement of people on a grand scale, it has extensive experience in setting up and consolidating grassroots organisations, and in human rights work and peace-building initiatives. Despite years of oppression and the armed social conflict, Colombia has a dedicated civilian society and offers the possibility of good working partnerships.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

In geographic terms the aid programme is concentrated on the regions of Uraba-Chocó and on the north-east of Colombia (Norte de Santander/Tibu). The major points of focus are the promotion of peace, conflict resolution and the development of rural communities. The overarching aim of the programme is to help create a fairer and more peaceful society and to improve the fundamental existence of internally displaced families and rural communities in areas of conflict. The programme of initiatives includes the following:

• Set up and establish self-help organisations for internally displaced persons, small farmers’ cooperatives, women’s organisations and youth organisations
• Develop and consolidate local and regional networks of social organisations
• Encourage children and young people through training, enhancing of self-esteem through cultural and educational activities, prevention of violence, peace education, and development of social leadership among the young.
• Improve food production and marketing, encourage diversified, organic family farms and income-generating microprojects for women, such as “Comedores populares” (community kitchens).
• Support peace initiatives started by the civilian society, such as women’s movement, ethnic minorities, regional and national networks
• Provide advocacy for people at local, regional, national and international level

HEKS is also one of the organisations which support SUIPPCOL, the joint peace-promotion programme adopted by Swiss aid organisations, Swiss human rights organisations and the Swiss government.