During their stay in the region, which occurred the day before, the delegates heard testimonies from community representatives about the difficult situation they are experiencing, as well as complaints about the presence of paramilitaries from the so-called Gulf Clan, which threatens the communities and the historical social organizations of the territory.
A statement released by that body warns that the complaints received show that, to date, these structures already control 85 percent of that area.
Another point discussed during the visit dealt with the damage caused by the economic blockade experienced by the communities in the territories of this region, which generates displacement due to the impossibility of developing the plans of its inhabitants.
In this context, the note noted, the residents made proposals that would reinforce the life guarantees of the community, its organizations and popular movements, and a humanitarian call for respect for life that includes the demand for the relief of the troops of the Task Force Marte, designated to counter criminal groups. Despite the murders in the Serranía de San Lucas to silence and prevent the continued fight for peace in the country, this is a territory where communities have been working for decades to achieve that goal, the text noted.
To support this decision, the delegations of the Dialogue Table reaffirmed the need to hold the Magdalena Medio Regional Meeting of the National Participation Committee, as a peacebuilding scenario. They also committed to developing Agreement 20 on Humanitarian Actions and Dynamics in Critical Areas in concert with the communities, who also request the support of the guarantor countries, the accompanying States, the UN and the Episcopal Conference of Colombia, who were present on the visit.
The work day carried out in Santa Rosa del Sur complies with Agreement 25 disclosed in Venezuela by the Dialogue Table on April 22.
During the visit, the murder of peace activist Narciso Beleño was also condemned.
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