Lutheran World Relief Congressional Delegation to Colombia Returns
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Baltimore -- Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) and two staff members returned today from a
five-day visit to Colombia with Lutheran World Relief international policy analyst Luis Murillo — a former governor of the Colombian state of Chocó — and LWR’s director of
public policy and advocacy, Rebecca Phares. The fact-finding visit took the group to Quibdó, Chocó; to Bogotá; and to Cartagena, where they met with an array of community leaders
and government officials.
Upon his arrival, Payne met with Colombian president Álvaro Uribe for more than an hour, during which he emphasized the importance of integrating Afro-Colombians,
who make up about a fifth of the country’s population, more fully into society. Payne also met with Colombia’s attorney general and with U.S. Ambassador William Wood.The
congressman heard from more than 400 representatives of national and international human rights organizations, community-based organizations, local Afro-Colombian elected officials, and labor unions.
Especially highlighted during these meetings were the needs of Colombia’s 3.6 million displaced people, including many displaced children. Staff and volunteers with LWR’s
local partner organizations shared personal stories of being forcibly displaced because of Colombia’s ongoing conflict, and expressed their hope for a future return to their lands. “This visit has been eye-opening,” said Payne, a longtime Congressional advocate on behalf of Colombia’s displaced civilians. “I was moved by the stories I heard about the
very real effects of the conflict on Colombia’s people. I am impressed with the close and trusting relationships between LWR and the local organizations, and I very much appreciate the work they
are doing together to make life better for displaced people and to lay the groundwork for peace so people can someday return home.”The congressman, a former teacher, encouraged displaced
children to work hard to succeed in school and life. In meetings with community leaders, Payne emphasized the need to work to ensure a more equitable Colombia with prosperity for all strata of
society. Both the representative and LWR staff highlighted the case of Elacio Murillo, a journalist and community leader who was killed earlier this month in a case that appears related
to Colombian paramilitaries. Elacio Murillo was the uncle of Luis Murillo. The delegation heard many concerns about Colombia’s humanitarian crisis as well as the effects of current
U.S. policy on Colombia. Many community members also expressed concerns about the recently negotiated Colombia Free Trade Agreement and its potential impact on Colombia’s impoverished
population. “I want to thank Rep. Payne for taking the time to travel to Colombia and hear firsthand from the people who are most affected by a long-running conflict,” said
Murillo. “We know that peace is possible in Colombia, and with the support of Rep. Payne and other lawmakers, we can work together toward a policy that both addresses humanitarian needs and
creates an environment where peace can flourish.”
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