PRESS RELEASE

No.  31/03

        The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemns the murders of four members of the Kankuamo indigenous community, which occurred between October 15 and 20, 2003 in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, Colombia.  According to the information available, these murders were perpetrated by members of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, or AUC.  The Commission offers its condolences to the relatives of the victims and to the Kankuamo people.

The Commission has expressed concern over the murders, disappearances, massacres, and forced displacements to which members of indigenous peoples have been subjected in Colombia.  In particular, approximately 50 members of the Kankuamo community have been murdered by outlaw armed groups in the course of this year, and over 180 since 1993.  Constant attacks on their leaders undermine the cohesion of indigenous communities in defending their rights, especially the right to life, autonomy, and territorial rights.

The Commission reiterates to the Colombian state its concern over the vulnerable situation in which indigenous people are living in that country.  These constant acts of violence against indigenous communities who demand respect for and protection of their fundamental rights imperil not only the lives and personal welfare of their members but also their survival as peoples.

Washington, D.C., October 30, 2003