Colombia

MCC has worked in Colombia since 2002 by partnering closely with the Colombian Anabaptist community. In a country torn by long-running armed conflict, Colombian Mennonite, Mennonite Brethren, Brethren in Christ and other churches courageously reach out to people affected by violence.

The war is fought between various armed actors and has displaced more than 4 million people, creating one of the worst humanitarian crises in the Western Hemisphere. Each year many Colombians are assassinated, kidnapped, threatened and displaced. A rural Colombian church member explains, “What you experience only in your nightmare is our daily reality.”

The war is deeply rooted in an unequal economic system. The vast amount of wealth and resources are controlled by an elite minority and multi-national corporations, leaving many Colombians desperately impoverished. The government forces have, on many occasions, worked in collusion with the paramilitary; often suppressing worker rights movements, labor union organizers and human rights defenders. The cycle of violence and economic injustice go hand-in-hand.

The United States has provided significant support for the Colombian government. Since 2000, the United States has given more than $6 billion in aid; with more than $5 billion in military and police support to ostensibly eradicate the flow of cocaine and to fight terrorists. This policy of aid to Colombia, termed “Plan Colombia,” has exacerbated the war while proving ineffective in curbing the drug trade.

Days of Prayer and Action for Peace in Colombia - April 18 & 19