Bush Administration "certifies" Colombia's human rights performance - Take action!

On Wednesday, August 3, the State Department announced that it is certifying Colombia on human rights. This decision releases about $70 million in military aid from fiscal years 2004 and 2005. It was, in effect a “double certification.” Not only is State releasing the second portion of the 2004 that has been stalled all year, but also the first half (12.5%) of the funding contingent on certification for FY 2005.

It was because of your great work that certification has been held up this year. And under your pressure the State Department raised human rights cases with the Colombian government. But there is still insufficient evidence of progress to certify one round, much less two!

This news comes just days after Members of Congress adjourned for August recess and one day before President Uribe visits President Bush at his Crawford ranch. The State Department had just moments to wash its hands of the messy affair and clear the air between the heads of State before tomorrow’s (August 4) meeting and press conference. This politically motivated decision was certainly underhanded and demonstrates the U.S. government’s unambiguous support for President Uribe.

Take Action!

Send the State Department a letter protesting its certification decision. Go to http://www.lawg.org/countries/colombia/st_dept_letter.htm, adapt the letter, and either fax or mail it to the State Department. The fax number is 202-647-2283.

Take Action!

Send a letter to the editor in your local paper. Go to http://www.lawg.org/countries/colombia/letter_to_editor.htm. Please adapt to make it personal and/or to relate it local news – it’s more likely to get published that way. Also, try to keep it short, and let us know if you get published: info@peaceincolombia.org.