Features in issue 2449

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.

San Jose de Apartado

by PN staff

How do communities respond to long-term violence? For 54 of them it has been to establish "peace communities" which involve literally thousands of people. However, communities that refuse to bear arms in the conflict are unpopular with every side and frequently experience direct violence as a result.

Rebirth of solidarity

by Sean Donohue

US military involvement in Colombia's internal affairs - as epitomised by Plan Colombia - has been a constant feature since the 1960s, while support for "ordinary" Colombians caught up in the brutal civil war has come from specialist solidarity groups from around the world. Sean Donohue takes a look at how activist groups in the US are now building new and diverse solidarity networks that are calling for an unequivocal end to US military involvement in Colombia.