Colombian Bishops' Conference: Declaration of the Permanent Committee Concerning the Reality of Plan Colombia, September 20, 2000

Colombian Bishops' Conference: Declaration of the Permanent Committee Concerning the Reality of Plan Colombia, September 20, 2000
COLOMBIAN BISHOPS CONFERENCE

DECLARATION OF THE PERMANENT COMMITTEE CONCERNING THE REALITY OF PLAN COLOMBIA

Many times before, we the Bishops of Colombia have made known our prophetic voice in order to denounce the seriousness and complexity of the drug trafficking problem, which is not only our problem, but affects many other countries. Therefore, the far-reaching impact of this problem requires that it be resolved through the culmination of our combined effort.

Drug trafficking in our country has become one of the main causes of social destruction, of the conflict's financing, and of shame before the international community. This is why we once more, clearly and emphatically, reject this evil in all its phases: production, marketing and consumption.

We believe that it is necessary to establish supportive structures so that those involved in illicit cultivation may be able to substitute these crops and have access to means of transportation and commercialization of alternative products. This way, they may be able to lead dignified lives and become integral parts of the country's system of economic productivity.

We believe that the solution to the eradication of coca and poppy cultivations is not fumigation, which clearly brings with it harmful effects , both for the environment and human beings. We recommend instead eradication and the offer of new possibilities for work.

There is a growing awareness within Colombia of the importance of support from the international community to the Colombian process. We believe this help is positive and we feel that it should serve to ensure the development of initiatives that generate employment, health, and education and support the administration of justice.

It is urgent that these international contributions provide real social investment, which would require the State's honest presence in all of its services to the benefit of the campesinos and the poor. These policies should be applied by trying to maintain equilibrium between military aid, on the one hand, and humanitarian aid for development, on the other. Likewise, we consider it urgent that all aid should be conditioned by the respect for Human Rights.

We hope that the application of this Plan may transform itself into a healthy initiative towards peace, reconciliation and a healthy coexistence between all Colombians.

Alberto Giraldo Jaramillo
Archbishop of Medellin
President of the Bishops´ Conference

Bogotá, D.C. September 20, 2000