Features in issue 2449

It is easier to begin an armed struggle than to end one

by Howard Clark

Earlier this year Howard Clark interviewed former ELN guerrilla Pastor Jaramillo for Peace News. He talks about the challenges and frequently dire consequences of "reinsertion" into civilian life and suggest a prognosis for the future of peace talks.

Decentralised co-operation on peace-building

by Kristian Herbolzheimer

The participatory peace and democratic initiatives emerging at the local and regional level in Colombia usually lack a solid base of support in Europe. Kristian Herbolzheimer looks at the possibilities for a decentralised response, involving not just citizens' groups but local institutions.

A permanent process

by Martha Colorado

Making links between all forms of violence, Colombian women activists are building a national women's movement against the war. Martha Colorado reports.

Blood and fire

by Mujeres de Negro, Madrid

The specific targeting of women and young people in Barrancabermerja has led, not to a passive acceptance of authority and domination, but to their organisation and empowerment. This article, written by Mujeres de Negro (Women in Black), Madrid, focuses on the work of the Organización Femenina Popular (Women's Organisation of the People).

Unarmed bodyguards

by Peace Brigades International

With more than 20 years' experience, Peace Brigades International have built a reputation for effective nonviolent interventions in trouble-spots around the world. Perhaps best known for their protective accompaniment work with threatened human rights defenders, trade union activists and peace campaigners, the organisation now has 21 national offices in countries throughout Europe, North America and the South Pacific, with current field projects in Mexico, Indonesia and Colombia.

A volunteer's letter home

by Peter Clark

Peace Brigades volunteer Peter Clark sends a message home from the frontline in the war waged on peaceful civilians.

Unreal thing

by PN staff

The deaths of seven trade union activists from companies associated with Coca-Cola in Colombia have prompted US workers to organise in solidarity with their Colombian compadres.