Front Line is 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.

Further Information

Posted 25/07/2008 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.

Front Line believes 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, Front Line is 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.