JUAN LUIS CASTRO CÓRDOBA SENADOR DE LA REPÚBLICA

15 February 2021

Mrs. KAMALA D. HARRIS Vice-President United States of America

Chairman GREGORY MEEKS House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations United States Congress

Dear Madam Vice President Harris and Chairman Meeks:

My name is Dr. Juan Luis Castro Córdoba, Senator, Republic of . I am the only elected Afro- Colombian serving at this time. I was elected by popular vote in 2018. My work within the has been primarily focused on improving the Colombian healthcare system, issues related to the environment, and the dignity and welfare of Afro (which represent nearly 20% of the 50 million Colombian citizens). I am also a member of the green party, a political force which values transparency in politics, fighting climate change and defending vulnerable, poor and disenfranchised communities.

The main objective of this letter is to inform you about the poor economic and social conditions that Afro Colombians have been living with since the founding of Colombia in 1810. As if this was not enough, the situation in the Pacific region, which is where the vast majority of Afro Colombians reside, has worsened, especially in the city of Buenaventura, Valle de Cauca. Buenaventura, a predominately Afro-Colombian city, is one of the most important cities in Colombia, due to his strategic location on the Pacific Ocean. The port city handles nearly 60% of Colombia’s maritime trade. Unfortunately, during the last three decades there has been a tremendous increase in violence, inequality and tremendous neglect by past and current local, regional and national government agencies. The city currently has over 70% unemployment. This situation has converged into a cruel paradox: The city with the most important port of in the country is also one of the poorest, most violent and inequitable cities, not only in Colombia, but all of Latin America.

I know Buenaventura, my paternal family is originally from there. I used to enjoy running in the rain and the happiness was adorned by loud salsa music played by its inhabitants all over the city. Today, there is no music but the shocking noise of machine guns, and rain is not a reason for children to run around, but rather used to wash the blood in the streets.

While it is positive that there is a strong bilateral agenda between our two countries, and the shift of the United States policy towards supporting the peace process with various entities and organizations is a move in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. In order to restore the tranquility to the country and to

JUAN LUIS CASTRO CÓRDOBA SENADOR DE LA REPÚBLICA properly develop the Pacific Region by and for its inhabitants, I strongly urge you to please include improving the living conditions of Afrocolombians in your bilateral agenda.

The long-term peace, development and vitality of these vulnerable communities will make Colombia stronger and a much more inclusive country for all of its citizens into the 21st century and beyond. Peace, equality and prosperity in Colombia will never be achieved if 20% of the population is disenfranchised and allowed to live in misery with no hope and no opportunity to participate as value-added members of the Colombian society.

Madame Vice President, Honorable Chairman Meeks, Buenaventura's situation is in dire straits. The current situation is a reflection of the deepest inequality and neglect that has characterized our country government throughout our history. Needless to say, this disgraceful and unsustainable situation has seriously impacted the safety, security and reality of millions of Afro-Colombians afflicted by poverty and violence in their territories. It is absolutely necessary that the close cooperative relationship between the U.S. government and Colombian government focuses on helping not only the inhabitants of Buenaventura, but all of the communities representing millions of citizens throughout the Pacific region, including the Departments of Chocó, Valle de Cauca, Cauca, Nariño and Putumayo.

I would like to end this letter sending you greetings of respect and admiration from the Senate of Colombia. I wish you and the entire Biden-Harris administration much success. Please know that you have a willing and able partner here in Colombia.

Very truly yours,

Dr. Juan Luis Castro Córdoba, Senator. Republic of Colombia