memorandum of justification concerning human ... - Just the Facts

UNCLASSIFIED
- 76 -
arise;
Investigating all information regarding activity that could put members of the
communities at risk;
Working closely with the Ombudsman‘s Office, both at the local and national
levels;
Increasing patrols of and controls of roads, highways, and waterways to prevent
access by illegal armed actors;
Stepping up operations against illegal armed groups; and
Redoubling efforts to ensure that soldiers operating in the areas near the
communities understand the security measures they are implementing, and that
those measures are implemented in strict accordance with the law.
On October 16, 2008, and November 7, 2008, the Army‘s 15 th Brigade held
security consultations in Riosucio to discuss concerns and coordination issues with
civilian and military authorities, the police, and members of the community. The Brigade
has increased its efforts against the new criminal band ―Autodefensas Gaitanistas‖ in
Riosucio, patrolling jointly with the Colombian National Police. This complements the
Joint Action Plan for Atrato, which governs work by the Armed Forces and Police with
regard to guaranteeing security and freedom of movement on the Atrato River.
Relations with and Outreach to Afro-Colombian Communities
Like indigenous groups, some Afro-Colombian communities are wary of the
Armed Forces, believing their presence on or near their land invites violence. During the
certification period, the Armed Forces increased its outreach to these communities in
order to build trust among all actors. Much of this outreach was mandated by Directive
7, issued May 16, 2007, by the Minister of Defense, which contains specific instructions
to the Armed Forces regarding the protection of Afro-Colombian communities and the
strengthening of land rights for those groups.
To address the needs of the Afro-Colombian population, and take steps to end
racism and discrimination against members of this group, in 2007, the Colombian
government issued Decree 4181, creating the Inter-Sectoral Commission for the
Advancement of Afro-Colombian, Raizal and Palenquera Populations‖ (―Comisión
Intersectorial para el avance de la población Afrocolombiana, Raizal y Palenquera‖).
Comprised of relevant cabinet ministers and Afro-Colombian Congressional
representatives, the Commission was established on May 19, 2008. It is charged with
evaluating the living conditions of the Afro-Colombian, Raizal, and Palanquera
populations, and presenting recommendations to the Colombian Government on ways to
eliminate the barriers that impede the economic and social advancement of the
UNCLASSIFIED