Colombia Human Rights & Development

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ALTERNATIVE BREAK COLOMBIA HUMAN RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENT

DECEMBER 29, 2010 – JANUARY 9, 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to Alternative Breaks!!! 3

Important Information 4

Expectations & Code of Conduct 5

Colombia Pre-Departure Meeting Agendas & Syllabus 6

About Colombia 9

Country Profile 10

Political Map of Colombia 13

Our Primary Destinations 14

Witness for Peace and Itinerary 15

Safety & Security & Health 18

Colombia Timeline 19

Colombia Pre Departure Resources 26

Payment & Fundraising 27

Travel Logistics 28

Further Reading Materials List 30

WELCOME TO ALTERNATIVE BREAKS!!!!

Congratulations on being selected to participate in an Alternative Break trip! You are about to embark on a journey of transformation, reflection, activism, and community involvement. As you know, the Alternative Break program is student-run, with the Center for Community Engagement and Service and the Alternative Break Coordinator serving as resources for the student leaders of each trip. Please read this letter carefully for important information about participating on a trip.

FORMS YOU MUST TURN IN TO CSC: ON WEBSITE: www.american.edu/altbreak under “Participant Applications & Forms”

Medical/Emergency Contact form Copy of health insurance card Consent & Release Waiver Form Copy of passport (for international trips) Code of Conduct Signature form

PAYMENT DEADLINES: Monthly payment installments are due according to your payment schedule. Talk to your trip leaders for dates.

ONLINE PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Log-on to my.american.edu, click on the Finances or Life@AU tab. 2. Under your personalized links, click on “Alternative Break E-payment.” 3. Choose your trip. 4. Enter your credit card information and click submit! 5. Payments are non-refundable.

PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS VIA CASH OR CHECK: 1. Obtain deposit slip from Community Service Center with the trip Account # to ensure that the payment is placed in the correct account. 2. Bring payment and Deposit Record to the payment windows in Student Accounts (before 4:30 PM in Asbury 300). 3. Bring the original payment receipt back to the Community Service Center (MGC 273). You must keep a copy of the receipt for yourself. If you do not bring back the receipt we have no way of knowing if you paid!!! 4. Put the receipt in your trip box in the CSC. 5. Payments are non-refundable.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

□ The pre-departure meetings are MANDATORY. You must attend in order to get to know other students on your trip, learn about your destination and talk about health/safety issues.

□ You are responsible for making an appointment with your doctor to find out which immunizations you need. □ You are covered under AU’s international travel insurance (information on Alt Break website)

□ Safety, US State Department, CDC immunizations, and other links are on the Alternative Break website. www.american.edu/altbreak

□ Your leader is responsible for providing the trip itinerary and destination information. Please ask them any questions you have.

□ Academic credits: You can either do an independent study with a professor of your choice or take SIS 386: Selected Topics in Global Social Justice. (Register through Alternative Break office.)

□ Fundraising for your trip: If you solicit checks from individuals or businesses, they should be made out to “American University” and mailed to the AU Development Office. See the Alternative Break website for more information.

AU EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION: 202-885-3636 Public Safety 1st Shoshanna Sumka, Alternative Break Coordinator; Work: 202-885-2684 cell: 240-328- 9231, home: 301-589-4274 2nd Marcy Campos, Community Service Center Director; work: 202-885-7378, cell: 301- 996-6343, home: 301-270-6343 3rd Fanta Aw, Assistant Vice President, Campus Life; work: 202-885-3357 home: 301-562 1499, cell: 240-413-2277

EXPECTATIONS & CODE OF CONDUCT:

The following is a list of minimum expectations; your individual trip groups will discuss and formulate additional participant expectations as necessary.

Code of Conduct: 1. Participate in all mandatory weekly pre-departure trainings. 2. Make payments and turn in all necessary forms on time. 3. Travel with the group at all times. 4. Abide by the alcohol and other drug free policy of Alternative Breaks. 5. Prepare individually for your trip by completing required readings. 6. Behave in a safe and responsible manner. 7. Respect the customs and local community. 8. Respect your trip leader, fellow participants & faculty/staff advisor. 9. Process the AB experience individually and with your group through reflection, conversation and other group activities. 10. Follow-up after trip with activism on social justice issues learned.

Program Reminders: 1. Turn in all necessary forms on time. 2. Participants who wish to receive course credit for participation will be required to complete additional criteria. SIS 386 or independent study credit is optional. See individual trip advisor for details. 3. Participants must become aware of relevant health and safety risks relevant to your destination. You are responsible for making an appointment with your doctor to find out which immunizations you need. 4. Make payments on time. 5. All payments made to Alternative Break are non-refundable.

I understand that failure to comply with any of these expectations may result in my inability to participate in the trip, dismissal from trip at my own expense, or may affect future Alternative Break participation.

Colombia Pre-Departure Training Agendas & Required Readings Tentatively holding meetings on Wednesdays and Fridays. -All readings should be completed before the meeting- Week 1: Introductions Icebreaker: • Introduce ourselves as leaders. Readings: • Explain that we, as leaders chose them and we have the utmost confident in the fabric of More Terrible Than Death by Robin Kirk our group. Prologue (page xv – xxi) • Group introductions. http://books.google.com/books?id=kyl5t7_pFC Context: MC&dq=more+terrible+than+death&printsec=f • Everyone explains why they applied and want to go on the trip rontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=upd0TMKR • We talk about expectations for the group OIO8lQeUk5jRBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct and for the trip. =result&resnum=4&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAw#v= Logistics: onepage&q&f=false • Go through the Welcome packet together and fill out necessary paperwork. Remind them about passport and insurance card copies. • Discuss payment dates. • Gather ideas for fundraising. Week 2: A Day for History Icebreaker: • Icebreaker activity (Name Tag Scramble) • As leaders we facilitate a discussion of what Readings: people already know about Colombia, if anything. Timeline from Welcome Packet (from BBC) Context: • As leaders we have prepared a timeline and How America Lost the War on Drugs by Ben proceed to fill in the pieces of what people Wallace-Wells do not know and have not mentioned. (word doc to be emailed) • Q&A regarding history and begin discussion on safety concerns Logistics: • Hand out copies of travel advisories for U.S. Citizens travelling to Colombia issued by the State Department. • Repeat participants share experiences from Colombia with group and as leaders we mention that we will have guest speakers who have been in country and participants should feel free to ask them about personal safety. • Pick top fundraising strategies Week 3: In Country Overview & WFP- host Icebreaker: organization orientation • Icebreaker activity (2 Truths & a lie) Context:

Reading: Displacement & Peace Communities • Discuss in detail what we plan to do in Chapter 13 “Local Peace Communities in Colombia- Hand out and go over itinerary & Colombia” pgs 245-271 from Colombia: packing list. • Introduce participants to WFP, their mission Building Peace in a Time of War and explain what their role will be Logistics: • Possibly conduct a Skype meeting with WFP in Bogota. • Allow time for Q&A and safety concerns. • Implement and plan fundraising activities

Week 4: Development Issues Briefing Icebreaker: • Icebreaker activity (Flash) Reading: Context: Development First- • Review basic elements of international A more human and promising approach to development and groups we will be meeting reducing cultivation of crops for illicit markets with in Colombia (ASOPROCEGUA, By Coletta A. Youngers & John M. Walsh Association MINGA, RECALCA) • Potential guest speaker from Peace Corps http://wola.org/media/WOLA_RPT_Developme office in DC to discuss the inaugural class of nt_web_FNL.pdf volunteers and their objectives that will

arrive in Colombia this fall, 2010. • Discuss Colombian No Bases Coalition

Week 5: Coca Eradication & Displacement Context: Guest Speaker- Diana Arango from USOC • Learn about USOC's advocacy work and how they approach altering US policy Reading: towards Colombia Chemical Reactions • Discuss USOC's reports on human rights Fumigation: Spreading Coca and Threatening defenders, government accountability, and Colombia’s Ecological and Cultural Diversity conflict over land entitlements Logistics: http://wola.org/media/WOLA%20Chemical%20 • Develop ideas as to how to work with Reactions%20February%202008.pdf USOC after the trip to build effective

advocacy strategies

Week 6: Free Trade Context: Guest Speaker • Review concepts of Free Trade Agreements Reading: • Connect corporate interests and Faces of Colombia: Who are the Victims of displacement- role of paramilitaries. Free Trade? • Discuss similarities between the past By Amanda Martin and Kath Nygard UFC workers and present Chiquita Banana lawsuit (word doc to be emailed) Week 7: International Accompaniment Context: Guest Speaker • Meet with a member of Peace Brigades International's DC office Reading: • Learn about the role of political 7 http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870 accompaniment and how it is implemented 4517504574590200781231082.html?mod=googlene • Discuss PBI's role both in the US and how ws_wsj their international team operates Reaction article: • Review recent defamation campaign and http://upsidedownworld.org/main/content/view/228 how PBI is viewed by certain groups in 4/1/ Colombia Logistics: • Review role of accompaniment for our delegation Week 7: Overview of Colombia & US Policy Context: Guest Speaker: Isacson • Meet with Adam Isacson of WOLA's http://adamisacson.com/ Regional Security Program • Go over his former work at the Center for A Compass for Colombia Policy by Lisa International Policy to gain more Haugaard, Robert Guitteau, Gimena Sanchez- perspective on development in Colombia Garzoli, John Walsh and Adam Isacson (future • Review his "Just the Facts" website regarding US-Latin American military guest speaker) relations http://www.lawg.org/storage/lawg/documents/c • Discuss human rights, defense budgets, and ompass.pdf civil-military relations in Colombia

Week 8: Intro to Post-Trip Activism: Context: Colombia Human Rights Committee • Andrea Mesa, Administrative Coordinator Latin American/Latino Studies & friend/documentary film maker come in to discuss their experiences in Colombia after viewing film (or portion of the film)

Logistics:

• Brainstorm ideas for post-trip activism after meeting with various groups and guest speakers

Week 9: Final Trip Review & Dinner Logistics: • As leaders, make sure that all participants fully understand the itinerary and what is necessary to bring on the trip • Answer any last minute questions or concerns regarding travel plans, packing list, etc. • Leaders and past participants offer words of advice and excitement before the trip

About Colombia

Population: 45,644,023 (3rd most populous country in Latin America) Race: Mestizo 58%, White 20%, Mulatto 14%, Black 4%, Mixed Black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% Population below poverty line: 48% Capital: Bogotá Government type: Republic President: Alvaro Uribe, since 2002 GDP per capita: $8,800 (114th in world) Exports: petroleum, coffee, coal, nickel, emeralds, apparel, bananas, cut flowers Export partners: US 32.1%, Venezuela 16.8%, Chile 4.8% (2008) Imports: industrial equipment, transportation equipment, consumer goods, chemicals, paper products, fuels, electricity Import partners: US 30.5%, China 8.5%, Mexico 8.5%, Brazil 6.5%, Venezuela 4.3%, Germany 4% (2008) Exchange rate: Colombian pesos (COP) per US dollar - 2,243.6 (2008) Most recent Constitution: 1991 Source: CIA World Fact book

Country profile: Colombia Colombia has significant natural resources and its diverse culture reflects the indigenous Indian, Spanish and African origins of its people. But it has also been ravaged by a decades-long violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights. The fourth largest country in South America and one of the continent's most populous nations, Colombia has substantial oil reserves and is a major producer of gold, silver, emeralds, platinum and coal.

Overview

It also has a highly stratified society where the traditionally rich families of Spanish descent have benefited from this wealth to a far greater degree than the majority, mixed- race population. With few avenues for social mobility, this provided a natural constituency for left-wing insurgents. But the lucrative returns from drugs and kidnapping now dominate the rebels' agenda, and have largely replaced ideological motivations. Peace talks with the main left-wing rebel group, the FARC, collapsed in 2002. At the other end of the political spectrum are illegal right-wing paramilitary groups, who are sometimes in the pay of drug cartels and landowners, and backed by elements in the army and the police.

AT A GLANCE • Security: A deadly campaign by left-wing FARC rebels continues; right-wing groups are disarming under a peace initiative; the cocaine trade fuels the conflict • Politics: The popular President Uribe was barred by the constitution from running for a third term. His successor is a close political ally • Economy: Despite strong growth in recent years, millions live in poverty; a free trade deal with the US has been signed • International: Colombia is a big recipient of US aid and is a staunch ally of Washington

Efforts are under way to demobilize the groups, which have been particularly active in the north-west where they have targeted human rights workers, peasants suspected of helping left-wing guerrillas, street children and other marginal groups. In what was seen as a rare show of unity, hundreds of thousands of Colombians staged nationwide protests against kidnapping and the civil conflict in July 2007, demanding the release of some 3,000 people still being held hostage by different groups. Hopes that an end to the decades-long conflict might be in sight were boosted in 2008 by a series of military successes against the FARC rebels, as well as the dramatic freeing of several hostages, including former presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt. Alongside politically-motivated blood-letting is drug-related crime, which has become the most common cause of death after cancer and has fuelled kidnapping. Together with the political violence, this has made Colombia one of the most violent countries in the world, deterring investors and tourists alike.

The US, a key market for Colombian cocaine, has bankrolled the fight against the trade to the tune of billions of dollars. But critics say "Plan Colombia" has had little impact on the supply and price of drugs.

Facts

• Full name: Republic of Colombia • Population: 45.7 million (UN, 2009) • Capital: Bogota • Area: 1.14 million sq km (440,831 sq miles) • Major language: Spanish • Major religion: Christianity • Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN) • Monetary unit: 1 Colombian peso = 100 centavos • Main exports: Petroleum, coffee, coal, gold, bananas, cut flowers, chemicals, emeralds, cotton products, sugar, livestock • GNI per capita: US $4,660 (World Bank, 2008) • Internet domain: .co • International dialing code: +57

Leaders

President: Juan Manuel Santos Juan Manuel Santos, who won an easy victory in the second round of presidential elections in June 2010, is no stranger to high office. He comes from a powerful Colombian family. His great-uncle, Eduardo Santos, was president from 1938 to 1942 and owned the country's largest newspaper, El Tiempo. Juan Manuel Santos has himself held a number of ministerial posts, most recently that of defense minister. He served in this post under President Alvaro Uribe from 2006 until 2009, playing a key role in implementing the president's tough policies against Colombia's main left-wing rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). He oversaw Operation Checkmate, the successful rescue by the military of 15 high- profile hostages, and was also in charge when the Colombian military mounted a controversial air raid into Ecuador that resulted in the death of senior FARC leader Raul Reyes. The improved security achieved during his term as defense minister earned him considerable credit and helped to pave his way to the presidency. During his campaign for the presidency, Mr. Santos insisted that he would continue the policies of President Uribe, with a strong emphasis on combating the drugs trade and FARC. He also promised to develop the country's infrastructure and to create more jobs, vowing to make Colombians less dependent on the informal economy.

Media Colombia is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists to operate. Media workers face intimidation by drug traffickers, guerrillas and paramilitary groups. More than 120 Colombian journalists were killed in the 1990s, many for reporting on drug trafficking and corruption. The media-freedom organization Reporters Without Borders has denounced armed groups, corrupt politicians and drug barons as "enemies of press freedom". Rebels have used radio to spread their propaganda. One of the main clandestine stations is the FARC-operated La Voz de la Resistencia, which the rebel group has described as another battlefront. Colombia's main commercial media outlets are owned by a handful of large groups. Television is the medium of choice for most Colombians.

The press

• El Tiempo - Liberal Party daily, national circulation • El Espacio - evening daily • El Nuevo Siglo - Conservative Party daily • El Colombiano - Medellin-based daily • Vanguardia Liberal - daily • El Espectador - daily • La Republica - business daily • Semana - weekly

Television

• Senal Colombia - state-run • Cadena Uno • Telecaribe • RCN TV - operated by Radio Cadena Nacional • Caracol TV - private commercial network

Radio Hundreds of stations are registered with the Ministry of Communications. Among the main networks are:

• Radio Nacional de Colombia - state-run • Cadena Super - including Radio Super and Super Stereo FM • Caracol - runs several networks, including flagship station Caracol Colombia • Radio Cadena Nacional (RCN Radio) - medium wave (AM) network with many affiliates

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1212798.stm

Published: 2010/08/10 13:37:25 GMT © BBC MMX

Political Map of Colombia Source: www.geology.com

Our Primary Destinations: Bogotá and the Urabá/Antioquia Region Bogotá: Also known as Santa Fé de Bogotá or the Athens of the Americas, Bogotá is set at an altitude of over 2547m (8357 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. You may need some time to adjust to this altitude, especially if you are arriving from lower parts of the country or flying in. Here we will visit the U.S. embassy as well as other governmental, civil society, and cultural sites. Because of the high altitude, Bogotá’s weather tends to be cooler and slightly windy. Packing a light jacket and some sweaters will keep you comfortable. Urabá/Antioquia: The rest of the time we will visit peace communities in Urabá in the states of Antioquia and Chocó. This portion of the trip may be physically challenging. We will be hiking while carrying our gear through muddy trails. We may also travel via canoe. The climate is hot, humid, and mosquito infested. Lodgings are simple. (Witness for Peace is careful about security. Therefore, the possibility always exists that our exact destination will change.)

This trip is organized through Witness for Peace (in Spanish, Acción Permanente por la Paz). Witness for Peace was founded in 1983 in response to the violence and human rights abuses during the Contra war in Nicaragua. It now operates in several countries throughout Latin America and is headquartered here in Washington, D.C. Witness for Peace will arrange our in-country accommodations, transportation, and itinerary, and provide us with translation services. They have a strong reputation and a large network of contacts in Colombia, and their staff will be a great resource to us. For more information, please visit: www.witnessforpeace.org

ITINERARY (subject to change)

American University Delegation Witness for Peace Delegation December 29, 2010 – January 9, 2011 Colombia

Team Members

Witness for Peace Ave. Calle 32 #14-42 Teusaquillo, Bogota 288-1438

Wednesday December 29 *Arrive to Colombia!!! *Welcome, Introductions and Start Orientation

Thursday December 30 *Finish Orientation *Colombia Context Meeting *Uraba and Humanitarian Zones and Biodiversity Zones Context Meeting with the Inter-church Justice and Peace Commission *More Uraba context and International NGO in Colombia context from International Accompaniment Organization – Peace Brigades International

Friday December 31 *Fly to Uraba from Bogota *Travel by land to the Humanitarian Zone of Llano Rico *Accompaniment of Llano Rico for New Years (!!!) – Very important because the communities in the Humanitarian Zones often feel very lonely and vulnerable during the holidays

Saturday January 1 *Meetings with the communities in the Humanitarian Zones to talk about their non- violent struggle, in a very violent context, for their lives, their traditions, their land and the environment from large business interests—bananas, oil palm and bitter yucca used for bio-fuels, large- scale cattle ranching, and mining interests.

Sunday January 2 *Leave Humanitarian Zone and travel to airport in Apartado by land (leave really early!!!) *Fly back to Bogota *A couple hours to clean-up and relax *Time to really debrief experience in the campo in Uraba

Monday January 3 *Meeting with RECALCA (Colombian Action Network in Response to Free Trade) & and Colombian No Bases Coalition - talk about the effects of neoliberal policies in Colombia, the pending Free Trade Agreement with the US and the recent US access to at least 7 different Colombian military bases. *Meeting with Nancy Sanchez from Association MINGA. Nancy is an awarding winning human rights defender in Colombia. She would talk with us about the effects of US backed fumigations and forced manual eradication. She would also talk with us about the US’s history with alternative development in Colombia and the CCAI Centers/ Consolidation Centers/Fusion Centers—Hold and Build (?) system for social and economic aid. She will be very critical of the Fusion Centers and help us identify things to focus on while in Meta.

Tuesday January 4 *Leave Bogota early morning and travel by rented bus to Vista Hermosa, Meta. *We will talk with the person in charge of the alternative development aspect of the Fusion Center located on a military base in Vista Hermosa. They will describe their model for development. Talk about the need to send in the military first to secure a zone, then the need to fumigate or eradicate before being able to offer any sustainable alternative development programs.

*Meet with communities that are currently part of the Fusion Center’s operations. They will talk with us about what it was like before the Fusion Center, the militarization in the communities once the CCAI strategy started, the impacts of fumigation and manual eradication as well as the alternative development they have received. *Settle down and spend the night in Meta

Wednesday January 5 *Travel to Guaviare early in the morning in our bus *Meet with Padre Luis Grajales at his home for children who have been displaced by violence, fear of being recruited by armed actors and fumigation in Guaviare. We will have a chance to talk with the children and hear some of their testimonies. *Meeting with Don Flaviano and ASOPROCEGUA – a collective of farmers who have stopped growing coca because of all of the fumigations and the violence and now grow Amazonic fruits to process into juices, trees and are involved in cattle ranching. They will talk with us about their ideas to end the production of coca and alternative development. *Meeting with the mayor of San Jose de Guaviare – an outspoken advocate against forced eradication of illicit crops and the CCAI Centers. He is full of lots of interesting ideas about alternative development. This is also a good chance to hear the perspective of a rather progressive Colombian politician.

Thursday January 6 *Depending on the security situation, but the idea would be to travel a few hours past San Jose de Guaviare further into Guaviare to see the devastating results of the fumigation, see the coca fields, see the complete lack of infrastructure, see the deforestation, etc. We also might have the opportunity to speak with more communities, depending on the security situation. *Spend the night in San Jose de Guaviare and Prepare for the meeting with the US Embassy in Colombia tomorrow

Friday January 7 *Flight back to Bogota *Embassy meeting – meet with embassy officials (Human Rights Officer for the Political Section, Narcotics Affairs Section [NAS], USAID Officers)

Saturday January 8 *Tour of Bogota and Free Time for Lunch *Wrap-Up and Action Planning

Sunday January 9 *Return Home to the US

Safety and Security

Witness for Peace, with whom we partner on this trip follows a strict security protocol. They will provide security training for the whole group upon our arrival in Colombia. The following are some basic precautions that they, we the leaders, and you the student will be taking: 1. Witness for Peace visits each site one month prior to our going there, and communicates with these sites by phone or email days and/or hours before to ensure that the people and places we visit are safe and prepared for us. 2. Witness for Peace has a network of contacts in place and a system for communicating with its headquarters multiple times per day, ensuring a constant check on our whereabouts and well-being. 3. We will send out emails to AU and to any parents or other concerned parties periodically throughout the trip. 4. We will exercise precautionary measures such as traveling in groups, leaving valuables in secure places, and keeping our specific travel itinerary to ourselves. 5. Most of all, we will exercise common sense and will not call unnecessary or negative attention to ourselves!

In addition to the above, you can visit the state department’s website for more information on security while traveling in Colombia: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1090.html

Health Information Please Review the Center for Disease Control Website for country specific information for Colombia: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/colombia.aspx You are responsible for making an appointment with your physician to discuss the immunizations you’ll need. Some immunizations are available at the Student Health Center. There is a travel clinic on New Mexico Avenue (Foxhall Internists) that will be able to provide any additional immunizations.

AU Student Health Center: 202-885-3380 Foxhall Internists Clinic: 202-362-4467 Www.foxhallinternists.com/immunizations.asp

WitnessforPeace Acción Permanente por la Paz COLOMBIA DELEGATION SECURITY PROTOCOL

For the safety and security of myself, my fellow delegates, Witness for Peace International Team members, and our Colombian partners, I agree to abide by the following security measures while in Colombia on a Witness for Peace delegation:

IN GENERAL: • I will not share quotes from any meeting or person when meeting with other organizations or individuals. • I will not talk loudly in restaurants or on the street. I will assume everyone speaks English and is interested in what I am saying. Therefore, I will not talk about our interviews or information in public settings. • I will not tape record interviews, or take people’s pictures ( including military personnel and/or installations) unless they or the International Team members assure me it is all right. • When talking to strangers, I will speak in generalities about our trip such as “We have been visiting churches and have gone to the markets…” • Unless introduced to me by WFP or our partners. I will never offer opinions about Colombian internal politics, the war, U.S. policy in Colombia, etc. to strangers. • I will not wear camouflage or overtly political clothes (such as Ché or EZLN T-shirts) while in Colombia, nor will I bring “revolutionary” or military (whether from Colombian or other countries) reading materials. • I will keep my emergency pack with me at all times that will consist of my passport and necessary medication/ eye-glasses if needed. I will keep a copy of my passport with me in a separate location from the original. • I will know where my notebook, delegation folder and exposed film/ digital camera are at all times (either with me or in a secure location). • I will not initiate conversations with media representatives, nor with any armed actors, illegal or legal except in scheduled meetings with Colombian military officials.

IN BOGOTÁ (Or Equivalent Security Areas): • While in Bogotá (Or Equivalent Security Areas), I will always stay in pairs, and in groups of four after dark. After dark I will always take secure taxi’s unless arranged by the WfP International Team. • I will be in the hotel by 10pm unless I have previously informed and consulted with the WfP International Team.

OUTSIDE OF BOGOTÁ (Or Equivalent Security Areas): • I will stay with the entire group at all times when outside of Bogotá (Or Equivalent Security Areas). • I will wear and make visible my Witness for Peace t-shirt at all times in public when outside of Bogotá (Or Equivalent Security Areas). I will not give away a Witness for Peace t-shirt under any circumstances. • I will not consume alcohol while outside of Bogotá (Or Equivalent Security Areas). • I will let International Team members take charge of answering questions and facilitating all exchanges at roadblocks. • The International Team will be in close contact with trusted Colombian counterparts about the security situation in regions to which we travel. Therefore, I understand that travel plans are subject to change at any time, according to the advice given by our partners.

OVERALL: • I will respect International Team members as the ultimate and only decision makers in all cases involving security. • It is easy to forget some of these precautions. I will gently remind other members of my group, and accept reminders without taking offence.

Signature:______Date:______

As a U.S. citizen, taking such extensive precautions may seem paranoid. As you deepen your understanding of the Colombian conflict throughout the delegation, we hope you will come to understand these precautions much better. We believe these security guidelines are crucial not only for our own safety, but for that of our partners in Colombia.

Colombian History Timeline

A chronology of key events:

1525 - Spain begins conquest of Colombia.

1536-38 - Spain establishes the settlement of Santa Fe de Bogota, which subsequently becomes known as Bogota, the current capital; becomes part of the Spanish vice- royalty of Peru.

Skyscrapers, colonial buildings rub shoulders in Bogota Population: 6.4 million Elevation: 2,640 meters above sea level

1718 - Bogota becomes the capital of the Spanish vice-royalty of Nueva Granada, which also rules Ecuador and Venezuela.

1819 - Simon Bolivar defeats Spanish at Boyacá. Republic of Gran Colombia formed with Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.

1829-30 - Gran Colombia dissolved when Venezuela and Ecuador split off, leaving present-day Colombia and Panama a separate state known as Nueva Granada.

1849 - Conservative and Liberal parties founded.

1861-85 - Liberal Party rule sees country divided into nine largely autonomous entities and the church separated from the state.

1885 - Start of 45 years of Conservative Party rule during which power is recentralized and church influence restored.

1899-1903 - "The War of the Thousand Days": around 120,000 people die in civil war between Liberals and Conservatives. Panama becomes an independent state.

1930 - Liberal President Olaya Herrera elected by coalition; social legislation introduced and trade unions encouraged.

1946 - Conservatives return to power.

1948 - Assassination of left-wing mayor of Bogota ignites riots.

1948-57 - 250,000-300,000 killed in civil war.

1958 - Conservatives and Liberals agree to form National Front in a bid to end the civil war; other parties banned.

Guerrilla war

1965 - Leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) and Maoist People's Liberation Army (EPL) founded.

1966 - Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC, the current largest guerrilla grouping) set up.

1970 - National People's Alliance formed as a left-wing counterweight to the National Front.

1971 - Left-wing M-19 guerrilla group emerges.

1978 - President Julio Turbay (Liberal) begins intensive fight against drug traffickers.

1982 - President Belisario Betancur (Conservative) grants guerrillas amnesty and frees political prisoners.

War against drug cartels stepped up

1984 - Campaign against drug traffickers stepped up following assassination of justice minister.

1985 - Eleven judges and 90 other people killed after M-19 guerrillas force their way into the Palace of Justice; Patriotic Union Party (UP) founded.

Nevado del Ruiz volcano erupts. An estimated 23,000 people are killed in four Andean towns.

1986 - Virgilio Barco Vargas (Liberal) wins presidential elections by record margin. Right-wing paramilitary groups begin murder campaign against UP politicians, amid continuing violence by left-wing groups and death squads run by drugs cartels.

1989 - M-19 becomes legal party after reaching peace agreement with government.

Liberal and UP presidential candidates murdered during presidential election campaign, reputedly at the behest of drug cartels; Cesar Gaviria elected on anti-drug platform.

1991 - New constitution legalizes divorce, prohibits extradition of Colombians wanted for trial in other countries and guarantees indigenous peoples' democratic rights, but without addressing their territorial claims.

1993 - Pablo Escobar, Medellin drug-cartel leader, shot dead while trying to evade arrest.

1995 - Ernesto Samper Pizano (Liberal) elected president and is subsequently charged and cleared of receiving drug-cartel money for his election campaign.

Peace talks

1998 - Andres Pastrana Arango - a Conservative - elected president, begins peace talks with guerrillas.

1998 November - Pastrana grants FARC a safe haven the size of Switzerland in the south-east to help move peace talks along. The zone is off-limits to the army.

1999 January - Peace talks formally launched but proceed in stop-start fashion. Pastrana and FARC leader Manuel "Sure shot" Marulanda meet.

1999 January - Powerful earthquake kills some 1,000 people. Cities of Armenia and Pereira badly hit.

Plan Colombia

2000 July - Pastrana's "Plan Colombia" wins almost US$1 billion in mainly military aid from the US to fight drug-trafficking and rebels who profit and protect the trade.

2000 September - Government freezes talks; alleges FARC harbored hijacker of plane forced to land in safe haven. Later, FARC refuses to resume talks, accuses Pastrana of not stopping paramilitary groups.

2001 February - The FARC return to peace talks after meeting between "Sure shot" and Pastrana. Pastrana extends demilitarized area for eight months.

2001 June - FARC rebels free 359 police and troops in exchange for 14 captured rebels. FARC accused of using safe haven to rearm, prepare attacks and conduct drug trade.

2001 October - Government, FARC sign San Francisco agreement, committing themselves to negotiate ceasefire. Pastrana extends life of safe haven until January 2002.

2002 January - Pastrana accepts FARC ceasefire timetable and extends safe haven until April.

Talks fail

2002 20 February - Pastrana breaks off three years of tortuous peace talks with FARC rebels, says hijacking of aircraft hours earlier is final straw. He orders rebels out of demilitarized zone. Government declares war zone in south after rebels step up attacks.

2002 May - Independent candidate Alvaro Uribe wins a first-round presidential election victory, promises to crack down hard on rebel groups.

Demobilization: AUC fighters hand in weapons AUC called ceasefire in 2002; peace talks began in 2004 Group listed as terrorist organization in Europe and US Most rank-and-file members will get full pardon and job training

2002 August - Moments before Alvaro Uribe is sworn in as president, suspected FARC explosions rock Bogota. Twenty people are killed. Days later, Uribe declares state of emergency.

2003 October - 14 out of 15 of President Uribe's planned austerity measures and political reforms rejected by voters in referendum. Three ministers, national police chief resign.

2003 November - Fighters from right-wing United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) begin to disarm.

2004 May - FARC's Ricardo Palmera, the most senior Colombian guerrilla ever captured, is jailed for 35 years.

2004 July - Right-wing AUC and government begin peace talks. AUC leaders address Congress.

2005 January - Bitter 15-day dispute with Venezuela over the capture of a FARC leader on Venezuelan soil. The affair is resolved at talks in Caracas in February.

2005 June - New law offers reduced jail terms and protection from extradition for paramilitaries who turn in their arms. Rights groups say the legislation is too lenient.

2005 December - Exploratory peace talks with the second biggest left-wing rebel group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), begin in Cuba.

2006 February - Colombia and the US agree on a free trade deal. The agreement awaits ratification in both countries.

Uribe's second term

2006 March - Parties loyal to President Uribe win an overwhelming victory in parliamentary elections.

2006 May - President Uribe wins a second term in office.

2006 November - Court investigates possible ties between high-ranking politicians from Sucre department and right-wing paramilitaries.

2006 December - Detained paramilitary leaders say they are pulling out of a peace process. Government says demobilization of right-wing groups will continue.

2007 January - Ecuador turns to the Organization of American States (OAS) for help with its challenge to Colombia's coca crop-spraying program along their common border.

2007 June - Government releases dozens of jailed FARC guerrillas, in hope that rebels will reciprocate by releasing hostages. FARC rejects move, saying it will only free hostages if government pulls back troops and sets up demilitarized zone.

2007 July - Hundreds of thousands protest in Bogota against kidnappings and conflict in the country.

Hostage release talks

2007 September - In his role as mediator, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez agrees to invite rebels for talks on hostage release deal.

2007 November - Colombia sets deadline of 31 December for President Chavez to reach deal with rebels on prisoner swap.

2007 November - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez withdraws his country's ambassador to Bogota in a row over his role in negotiations between the Colombian government and rebel forces.

INGRID BETANCOURT Born on 25 December 1961 Grows up in Paris 1989: Returns to Colombia 1994: Elected to lower house

1998: Becomes a senator 2002: Kidnapped by FARC rebels

2008 January - The FARC releases two high-profile hostages, Clara Rojas and Consuelo Gonzalez, as a result of Mr. Chavez's mediation.

Mr. Chavez calls on the US and European governments to stop treating Colombian left-wing rebel groups as terrorists, but Mr. Uribe rejects the idea.

2008 March - A Colombian cross-border strike into Ecuador kills senior FARC rebel Raul Reyes and sparks a diplomatic crisis with both Ecuador and Venezuela.

2008 May - Colombia extradites 14 paramilitary warlords to the United States to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. US hails move as evidence Colombia deserves trade deal. Colombian opposition complains the extraditions mean that the militia leaders will not reveal their alleged links to political allies of Mr. Uribe.

FARC announces death of its leader and founder, Manuel Marulanda.

2008 June - Colombia renews low-level diplomatic relations with Ecuador.

Betancourt freed

2008 July - Colombian army rescues the country's highest-profile hostage, Ingrid Betancourt, held in captivity for six years by FARC. She was among 15 hostages freed in an operation in the southern-central region of Guaviare.

2008 November - The sudden collapse of pyramid investment schemes - used by some of the poorest savers - triggers violent protests. Several towns are put under curfew.

2009 February - FARC rebels free six high-profile hostages, including a former provincial governor held since 2001.

REGIONAL FRICTION Relations with the wider region became more hostile in 2009

2009 March - FARC releases a Swedish man thought to be the group's last foreign hostage, Erik Roland Larsson.

President Alvaro Uribe offers FARC rebels peace talks if they halt "criminal activities" and declare a cease-fire.

2009 July-August - Relations with Venezuela deteriorate again after plans to allow US troops to use Colombian military bases as part of a drive to curb drug-trafficking are unveiled.

Venezuela withdraws its ambassador from Bogota and freezes relations after the Colombian government accuses Caracas of supplying arms to FARC rebels; Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accuses Colombia of carrying out a military incursion into his country.

2009 October - Colombia and the US sign deal giving the US military access to seven Colombian bases.

2009 November - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urges his armed forces to be prepared for war with Colombia and orders 15,000 troops to the border, amid growing tensions.

Former army Gen Jaime Humberto Uscategui is given 40-year jail sentence for his role in killing of unarmed civilians by right-wing paramilitaries.

Common cause

2009 December - The Marxist rebel groups - the FARC and the smaller National Liberation Army (ELN) - announce that they intend to stop fighting each other and concentrate on attacking the armed forces.

TOUGH ON REBELS President Alvaro Uribe had some success in his fight against rebels

FARC rebels kill the governor of the southern state of Caqueta, Luis Francisco Cuellar.

2010 February - Constitutional court rules against holding of referendum on whether President Uribe should be allowed to run for a third consecutive term.

2010 July - Venezuela cuts diplomatic ties with Colombia after being accused of harboring FARC rebels.

2010 August - Juan Manuel Santos takes over as president.

Colombia and Venezuela restore diplomatic ties.

Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1212827.stm

Published: 2010/08/11 14:05:05 GMT © BBC MMX Colombia Pre-Departure Resources (From some DC Area Organizations, Governmental Offices, and Groups we may meet with.)

Washington Office on Latin America: http://www.wola.org/?&option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=6&Itemid=& topic=Colombia

US Office on Colombia: www.usofficeoncolombia.org

Witness for Peace: http://www.witnessforpeace.org/article.php?list=type&type=111

Latin America Working Group: http://www.lawg.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid= 51

Inter-American Dialogue: http://www.thedialogue.org/page.cfm?pageID=50

Initiative for Inclusive Security: http://www.huntalternatives.org/pages/7653_colombia.cfm

International Crisis Group: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=1269

United States Institute of Peace: http://www.usip.org/countries-continents/south-america/colombia

State Department: http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2005/61721.htm

Colombian Embassy in the US: www.colombiaemb.org/

Payment and Fundraising

You will have a total of three non-refundable payments due on: • October 11th, • November 11th • December 1st You can pay by credit card through your my.american.edu portal under “Finances.” From there, click the “Alternative break e-payment” link. Cash and check payments are to be made directly to the Office of Student Accounts in the Asbury building. For more information see the Alternative Break welcome letter on page 3.

As a group we will organize several fundraising initiatives. Some ideas from previous trips include: • Benefit parties/events • Working with local restaurants • Writing letters asking for support from friends and family • Door-to-door loose change collection • Selling flowers, candy, baked goods, etc • Anything else the group comes up with!

Travel Logistics Health http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/colombia.aspx Students are advised to research the vaccinations and health precautions they should take while traveling internationally. The Center for Disease Control website will provide you with travel health guidelines. Make an appointment at an international travel clinic. One option is Foxhall Internists (202.362.4467) on 3301 New Mexico Ave. NW, Suite 348, near American University.

Passports and Entry/Exit Requirements You will need a valid U.S. passport, with an expiration date of at least 6 months after our return date, January 9, 2011. If you have a U.S. passport, you will not need a visa, but it will be wise to bring a few photocopies of your passport. In addition, there is an exit fee of about $70 to be paid upon returning to the U.S.

Packing List • 1 set business attire and 1 set dress shoes for visits to the US Embassy and other potential meetings with governmental actors. • Clothes appropriate for very humid and hot weather. Keep in mind; you will probably be wearing your Witness for Peace t-shirt throughout our entire time in Uraba, Meta, and Guaviare. • Socks • Swim suit (just in case) • A Towel (shammy towels work really well) • Hiking boots or shoes • Comfortable walking shoes or walking sandals • Sunglasses • 1 Sweater • 1 Light Jacket for colder weather in Bogota • Toiletries o Glasses, Contacts, Solution. If you use these items, make sure you bring an extra pair of contacts. o Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap o Hydrocortisone cream o Any other medication you take on a daily basis or may need during our stay, especially allergy related medication.

Trip leaders will be bringing a first aid kit consisting of the following: Neosporin, band-aids, gauze pads, first aid tape, alcohol wipes, latex gloves, itch-stick, aloe vera gel, Visine, thermometer, Tylenol, Advil, Theraflu thin strips, Chloraseptic thin strips, chewable Pepto Bismol, Rolaids, Alka-Seltzer, Advil Cold & Sinus, Imodium, laxatives, motion-sickness pills, cough drops. Please pack anything else you may need!

Electronics • Camera • Re-charger for camera battery

Other • Insect repellent • Anti-bacterial hand wipes or Purell • Sunscreen • Travel packs of tissue • Photocopies of passports • Water purifying tablets • Granola bars or similar snacks • Water bottle

Please try to pack light, as everyone will be expected to carry their own belongings across dirt roads and hills. A backpack may be best for this trip.