Colombie: enlèvement des défenseurs des droits humains José Arcos et María Antonia Amaya

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following reports of the abduction of human rights defenders José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya on 11 July 2008. José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya are both community leaders in the department of Nariño, José Arcos is also the vice-president of the community council in the municipality of Policarpa.

On the morning of 11 July 2008, José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya were reportedly detained at a checkpoint mounted by the paramilitary group known as Nueva Generación (New Generation) in the district of Santa Rosa, Policarpa. Reports indicate that the paramilitary group was in possession of a list of names of all community leaders in the area who are members of the Consejo de Comunidades Negras de la Cordillera Occidental de Nariño – COPDICONC (Council of Black Communities of Western Nariño). Following their detention, José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya were reportedly taken hostage by the paramilitary forces. Their current whereabouts are unknown.

Members of COPDICONC have been in receipt of precautionary measures from the Inter- American Commission on Human Rights since 24 June 2007, due to the harassment and threats directed against them by both paramilitary and guerrilla forces, who had both accused the leaders of collaboration with the opposing group.

I believe that the abduction of José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya is related to their work in defence of human rights, particularly the promotion of the rights of their community. Since both are reportedly taken hostage, I am seriously concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya and of other community leaders and members of COPDICONC in the region.

I urge the authorities in Colombia to: 1. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the abduction of José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya, with the aim of bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Adopt the measures necessary to guarantee the security and physical and psychological integrity of José Arcos and María Antonia Amaya and of the other members of COPDICONC, in accordance with the precautionary measures granted by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

3. Ensure that all human rights defenders in Colombia, carrying out their legitimate work in the defence of human rights, are able to operate free of restrictions and reprisals.

Yours sincerely,