SEPTEMBER 11-18, 2005

HAZ POSIBLE LA PAZ, DEFIENDE LA VIDA Y SU DIGNIDAD
TO MAKE PEACE POSSIBLE, DEFEND LIFE AND DIGNITY

• September 15: National Day of Reflection and Action for Peace in Colombia
• Celebrate Semana Por La Paz in Your Community
• How Colombians are celebrating Semana por la Paz
• Resources

What is Semana Por La Paz?

Each year, Colombians struggling for peace in their country celebrate Semana Por La Paz, a Week for Peace. The injustice of forty years of war; and the impoverishment, violence and hopelessness it has inflicted upon the nation of Colombia has led many to creatively support new visions of peace. Communities throughout Colombia have said 'no' to the violence of war and have said yes to celebrating the peace that exists today and the peace that is yet to come.

Semana Por La Paz is our chance to join in the celebration, as our Colombian brothers and sisters invite us to join them in dedicating ourselves to reflection and action that promotes peace in Colombia, in our own lives, and throughout the world. By observing Semana Por La Paz in the U.S. we stand in solidarity with Colombians who call for peace in their country.

As U.S. citizens, we have an obligation to educate the public and media about the impact of U.S. military aid, aerial spraying of chemicals (fumigation) and the shift to counterinsurgency policies that contribute to an increasing spiral of violence in Colombia. These policies have contributed to environmental devastation and the forced displacement of thousands in the name of the "war on drugs and terrorism" and "protecting US economic interests." Semana Por La Paz is the perfect opportunity to educate members of your community about the United States’ role in the Colombian conflict, and to challenge decision makers to transform current policy toward Colombia.