CPTnet
18 May 2006

COLOMBIA: Days of Prayer and Action reminder

On 8 May 2006, the Christian Peacemaker Team in Colombia put out a CPTnet
release entitled "COLOMBIA: A Call to Prayer and Action for Peace."

Those planning on participating in the Days of Prayer and Action for
Colombia on 21-23 May should go to www.peaceincolombia.org for worship
materials or action ideas and info on how to contact their U.S.
representatives or Canadian Members of Parliament. Below is information
for Canadians on how to contact their Members of Parliament and what they
should discuss with them

The time is right to come together to raise our prayers and voice our
support for the people of Colombia. Your representatives or
parliamentarians need to hear from you to know how to act.

As the Peace in Colombia webpage says,

"Standing in solidarity with our partners in Colombia requires that we
recognize the role of our own governments in the Colombian conflict. On May
22, or 23rd we will demand that U.S. and Canadian policy in Colombia reflect
our values of peace, justice and respect for human rights. U.S. and Canadian
funds should help to alleviate poverty and the humanitarian crisis in
Colombia instead of fueling the war."

Suggestions for Canadians: Join together with thousands in a bold manner of
Prayer and Action for Colombia on 21-23 May. As stated in the original
invitation, the Colombia team sending out some suggestions on different
issues that need to be raised. Since the 22nd of May is a holiday in
Canada, the day of lobbying is on the 23rd. The issues mentioned below are
suggestions for Canadian readers, when contacting members of parliament. To
find the contact information for your member of Parliament go to the website
link below and click on the name of your member for his/her information.

http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimeP
eriod=Current&Language=E

Also write or call the office of:

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Peter MacKay Telephone: 992-6022 Fax:
992-2337 EMail: MacKay.P@parl.gc.ca

Talking points:

1) Encourage the Canadian government to strengthen it's support for human
rights, especially on the human rights impact of the current paramilitary
demobilization process. Ask members of parliament to ensure that the
demobilization is not a simple handing over of guns but also process that
includes justice and reparations to the victims.

2) Canada is the # 1 country in receiving Colombian refugees, but more may
yet seek escape from the violence. Encourage the Canadian government to
increase number of refugees from Colombia allowed into the country.

3) Canada has placed itself as a leader in the crusade for land mine
removal. Colombia has a high number of landmines placed throughout its
territory and many Colombians fall victim to them every year. Canada should
help facilitate the removal of all landmines in Colombia.

4 ) Right wing paramilitary groups have been one of the greatest threats to
free expression and to human rights workers. In spite of having officially
demobilized, paramilitaries continue to make threats against human rights
defenders and those who speak for the victims. Ask that the Canadian
government speak out publicly against the continuing attacks on human rights
defenders.

To see more suggestions for prayers and Sunday service ideas and actions
visit www.peaceincolombia.org