connect&encourage Latin America
Latin America
Colombia Despite the signing of the peace agreement, many church leaders in Colombia are regular targets of threats, forced displacement and assassination. The illegal armed groups that are present in large parts of the country continue to severely restrict religious activities, and churches are frequently extorted by them. Indigenous communities also suffer conflictrelated violations, and have seen their freedom of religion severely curbed by courts ruling in favour of traditional authorities seeking to impose religious uniformity in their communities.
Dear CSW, We are very grateful and moved with so many letters that come to us... You do not know how much encouragement those postcards and letters gave me when I was in prison!!
Members of indigenous communities
Pastor Ramon Rigal, Cuba
Members of indigenous communities who have converted to other faiths or no faith, and away from the religious beliefs and practices promoted by their leaders, face suffering and severe discrimination within their communities. This includes threats of forced displacement or being excluded from receiving certain benefits by indigenous authorities, generally known as cabildos. Despite strong protections for freedom of religion or belief in the constitution and in international treaties that Colombia has signed up to, Colombian courts have ruled that these rights do not extend to those living on indigenous lands where collective cultural rights take precedence.
Send hope. Today.
Tip Please don’t mention
CSW or make any political comment in your cards to Cuban people – this could endanger them.
In some indigenous reserves religious minority children suffer daily discrimination because the school curriculum is designed to comply with traditional beliefs. Please write to them care of the following address. Since there are so many, and new cases occur on a regular basis, it’s best to address your cards generally and let our contacts distribute them.
Dr Biscet
RELIEC Calle 24A # 75-83 piso 2 Barrio Modelia Bogotá D.C Colombia
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