The Comisión Intereclesial Justicia y Paz

This umbrella organization works at the national level defending the rights of the displaced and marginalized, including the afro-Colombian communities of the Chocó region. These communities are fighting for their right to live and work on their land.

Since the late 1990s, they have been harassed, displaced and persecuted for their land so that large firms can grow African palm for the production of agrofuels.

Thanks to the interventions of Justicia y Paz, communities have obtained recognition of their land rights. Also, humanitarian zones have been established where the armed forces are forbidden to enter. Although, these communities still face many threats, their achievements strengthen their resolve to continue in their struggle for justice.

In the video below,  women living in a protected zone share their experiences:

Many of these communities are haunted by experiences of extreme violence. Here is testimony about the intimidation that occurs on their land: