Displacement— A Huge Crisis

This is where many displaced people first get started on the path to justice with the able assistance of Cocomarcia

a grassroots campesino organization in the department (state) of Choco.

Quibdó—Peace Building’s Benefits

The Colombian government has initiated some reconciliations but current estimates of the number of internally displaced persons in Colombia range anywhere from 2.6 to 4.3 million people. The issues surrounding justice and the ownership and right to occupy land is key to insuring peace and stability.

CRS’ programs are not done as a solo effort but in partnership with a variety of groups, often grassroots organizations. Peace-building efforts in Colombia has seen many programmatic successes but the need is urgent and constant due to the changing nature of the displacement of peoples throughout Colombia.

The partners we work with use a strategy based on four main types of outreach:

1) Human rights training workshops:
this includes education of people of their personal rights and collective rights as a cohesive community.

2) ACNUR trains and provides lawyers:
(Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados)—the High Commission of the United Nations for Refugees

3) Video and Radio Communications

4) Humanitarian Aid: food and clothing distribution and standing up for people when representatives or negotiation

My next post will be an accounting of a visit to a center that helps the displaced assimilate in Quibdó, trains them on their rights as well as gives them basic skills for a better future.

© Copyright 2009 Guy Arceneaux All rights reserved

CyberBridges Story en español!

A link to the CyberBridges story on www.crsespanol! 

CRS' brillant web team has developed a vibrant

presence online, stories from around the world in Spanish!

Saludos—Guy

Indigenous People's Health Clinic, Quibdo, Colombia

These little boys greeted us as we arrived and were more than happy to stand still for a snapshot. The blue stains on their faces are from a berry that grows in the forest used for face painting. The adults have elaborate and intricate designs sometimes—the stain lasts about a week.

Laughing children were our first welcome to a Health Clinic in Quibdo, Colombia. These children and their parents, indigenous peoples, come here from the depths of the Colombian forest to receive health care. Some arrive by boat, some by foot, and its often a two-week journey.

I had a chance to visit this unique clinic supported by Catholic Relief Services recently and found out much about the health care challenges these courageous, gentle people face because of their living environment. One of the biggest health problems is anemia due to a diet of two main food staples, maize and plantains.

The water they drink is usually contaminated with microbes and causes stomach problems and the bloated bellies of many of the children was an indication of this problem. The families arrive here hoping to get care for a number of illnesses, diarrhea, pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria and leshmaniasis.

I also met two dedicated workers who for the last fifteen years have helped guide sick people from the jungle to the doors of this clinic. And with only four full time employees for an estimated 5,000 people they are very busy indeed. Without the help of Catholic Relief Services and its partners disease and poverty would be the only story to tell about these people. But here, they’ll also get training in hygiene and agriculture to improve their lives when they return to the forests they love.

When I left I thought how the smiles and optimism of the children of the forest was a tribute to the hope CRS brings to the many places we serve.

© Copyright 2009 Guy Arceneaux All rights reserved