#SOSBuenaventura - Support the people of Buenaventura
The city of Buenaventura in Colombia has seen a 200% increase in violence in the first 36 days of 2021 compared to January of last year. Illegal armed groups in Buenaventura have started a war amongst themselves fighting over control of the territory and drug trafficking. The predominantly Black Afro-Colombian residents of the city have been impacted, fleeing from their homes afraid for their lives and livelihood. Residents of Buenaventura have started protests asking the Colombian government to step in and take control of the situation. The Colombian government has failed to do so.
Buenaventura is a city of 300,000 and is responsible for 60% of imports and exports into the country. Despite this and due to neglect from the government Buenaventura faces extremely high rates of unemployment and poverty. The residents of Buenaventura have asked for support for their movement #SOSBuenaventura.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee has thrown his support behind the people of Buenaventura saying “I urge the Colombian government to listen to the people of Buenaventura and take decisive action to address the deeply rooted issues of structural racism that have fomented the violence and inequality.”
We echo this plea and urge the US Government to voice support for the people of Buenaventura, and review the $448 million in aid that is given to the Colombian government for economic support and development.
Buenaventura is a city of 300,000 and is responsible for 60% of imports and exports into the country. Despite this and due to neglect from the government Buenaventura faces extremely high rates of unemployment and poverty. The residents of Buenaventura have asked for support for their movement #SOSBuenaventura.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee has thrown his support behind the people of Buenaventura saying “I urge the Colombian government to listen to the people of Buenaventura and take decisive action to address the deeply rooted issues of structural racism that have fomented the violence and inequality.”
We echo this plea and urge the US Government to voice support for the people of Buenaventura, and review the $448 million in aid that is given to the Colombian government for economic support and development.
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