Front Line is concerned following reports of threats issued against a number of human rights organisations operating in Magdalena Medio, in the region of Barrancabermeja, including: Unión Sindical Obrera (the Workers Union, USO), Corporación Regional para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (Regional Cooperation for Human Rights, CREDHOS), the Corporación Desarrollo y Paz del Magdalena Medio (Cooperation for Peace and Development in Magdalena Medio, CDPMM), the Organización Femenina Popular (Popular Feminine Organisation, OFP) and the Asociación de Campesinos del Valle del Río Cimitarra (Rural Workers Association of Valle del Río Cimitarra, ACVC).

Further Information

Posted 22/10/2007 At the beginning of September 2007 a Commander from the Central Bolívar Division of the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC), reportedly accused USO, CREDHOS, CDPMM, OFP and ACVC of 'criminal acts in the name of Marxism', during a hearing with the Prosecutor for Justice and Peace in Barrancabermeja.

Furthermore, on 31 July 2007, at approximately 17:00pm, the headquarters of CREDHOS and the OFP received a threatening message by email. The message warned the afore-mentioned organisations that they would be targeted if they did not cease their activities in defence of human rights. The email also declared various members of the said organisations as military targets. The message was allegedly sent by a paramilitary group known as the 'Black Eagles' ('Águilas Negras').

Front Line is concerned that the afore-mentioned threats against USO, CREDHOS, CDPMM, OFP and ACVC are directly related to their work in defence of human rights in Colombia. Further concern is expressed for the security of the members of these organisations.