US lawmakers question Colombia military aid over ongoing rights abuses

US lawmakers question Colombia military aid over ongoing rights abuses
Nov 10, 2014 posted by Joel Gillin

Eight United States lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry in which they say that ongoing Afro-Colombian rights abuses show that “Colombia is not in full compliance” with human rights policies required to receive US military aid.

In the letter, coordinated by House Representative Hank Johnson’s office and signed by seven other members of Congress, the US politicians expressed “grave concern” over the human rights situation in cities on the Pacific coast, where the majority of inhabitants are Afro-Colombians.

Tumaco and Buenaventura crises

“We are of the opinion that immediate action should be taken to stop the human rights crises in Tumaco and Buenaventura, including by taking all steps to stop the abuses and hold the perpetrators accountable,” the letter states.

Noting that more than 80% of the inhabitants of Buenaventura are Afro-Colombians, the letter mentions the crimes committed by paramilitary successor groups include the dismembering of victims in “chop-up houses” and sexual violence against women and girls. More than 30,000 residents of that city were displaced last year, the letter also notes.

More:
http://colombiareports.co/us-members-congress-question-colombia-military-aid-rights-abuses/