/ / Urgent Action: PREVENT DISPLACEMENT OF FISHERS’ COMMUNITY [Colombia 16.25]

PREVENT DISPLACEMENT OF FISHERS’ COMMUNITY [Colombia 16.25]

UA: 16.25 Colombia

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On February 15, 2025, the fishers’ association FEDEPESAN announced that they feel forced to carry out a collective displacement from the lakes and rivers surrounding the city of Barrancabermeja, Colombia. In recent years, including the first two months of 2025, FEDEPESAN members have been subjected to numerous instances of harassment, threats, robbery, extortion, and even attempted murder by armed groups seeking control of the waters to their own benefit, or in retaliation for denouncing potential cases of pollution and corruption affecting the environment. We call on the National Police to guarantee the safety of FEDEPESAN members and prevent their forced displacement.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: May 28, 2025

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Step 1

Write your letter

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide. A copy of the sample has also been sent to your email address.

Remember to send your letter by May 28, 2025.

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Sample Letter

Dear Mr. Director,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the risks faced by the members of the Federation of Artisanal, Environmentalist, and Touristic Fishermen and Women of Santander (FEDEPESAN), particularly those who carry out their fishing activities in the lake of Ciénaga de San Silvestre as well as the rivers Sogamoso and Magdalena, Caño San Silvestre, Caño Rosario, and Quebraza El Zarzal, in the Barrancabermeja area.

I am deeply concerned that, on February 15, 2025, the fishermen and women of FEDEPESAN announced that they felt forced to leave their territory due to the violent pressure they have endured for years and due to the lack of attention and protection from authorities.

FEDEPESAN members face multiple forms of harassment, sometimes for extortion, other times because they are seen as obstacles to armed groups seeking control of the region’s lakes and rivers. Additionally, they have been attacked after denouncing water pollution or potential acts of corruption that undermine environmental policies in their territory. Under these circumstances, FEDEPESAN members fear going out to fish, leaving them unable to earn an income or provide food for their families.

Considering the National Police’s duty to maintain conditions that allow people to exercise their rights and freedoms, I urge you to take immediate and effective action to protect FEDEPESAN members and ensure their safety, through measures that must be planned, implemented, and evaluated in consultation with FEDEPESAN’s members.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Sample Social Post

Fishermen and women and their families from #FEDEPESAN are at risk of a forced massive displacement. We urge the @PoliciaColombia @PoliciaDEMAM to guarantee the safety and the rights of the families of #CieganaDeSanSilvestre in #Barrancabermeja.

Tweet to @PoliciaColombia and @PoliciaDEMAM

Step 2

Send your letter

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

General Carlos Fernando Triana, Director of the National Police

Carrera 59 26-21 – CAN

Bogotá DC, Colombia

[email protected] @PoliciaColombia

and

CC: Colombian Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo

1724 Massachusetts Ave, NW,

Washington, DC 20036

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

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