August 15, 2022
Washington, DC —The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) expresses its solidarity with the Comité de Santurbán. We are deeply concerned to learn of reprisals, including death threats against union workers from the Sindicato del Acueducto de Bucaramanga SINTRAEMSDES for their relentless work in defending the Santurbán Páramo in Colombia. Páramos (high altitude wetlands) are fragile ecosystems that provide over 70% of freshwater for Colombians and serve as a carbon sink, offsetting carbon emissions and playing a critical role in addressing the climate emergency.
Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental defenders. According to Somos Defensores, a Colombian human rights coalition, there has been a substantial increase in attacks against defenders since the beginning of 2022. In the first three months of the year, 254 attacks were registered against 249 defenders, representing an increase of 41% when compared with the same period in 2021.
CIEL denounces any reprisals against human rights and environmental defenders. We urge Colombian authorities to investigate the threats against union workers and their families and ask them to carry out necessary measures to protect their psychological and physical safety.
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NOTE FOR EDITORS
CIEL has supported the Comité de Santurbán and its mission to protect the páramos, Andean high forests, and the right to water for millions of people in Colombia for more than ten years. The Comité is a diverse civic coalition composed of over 40 groups that oppose large-scale mining activities in the Santurbán Páramo and surrounding areas. Their work to preserve these essential and rare ecosystems is crucial to combat climate change and defend the rights of present and future generations.
MEDIA CONTACT
Cate Bonacini: press@ciel.org, +1-202-742-5847