See the effects of U.S. policy firsthand, learn about positive alternatives from communities at the frontlines, gain the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate.

Many of the civilians murdered or displaced by paramilitary forces- sometimes, with the aid of Colombia's armed forces and School of the America's trained soldiers- are family farmers. While claiming to fight narcotics and guerrillas, paramilitaries and the Colombian government have driven subsistence farmers off their land to make way for agribusiness. Despite death threats, some displaced people have returned in a nonviolent effort to regain their stolen lands. The recently passed free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States now makes it easier for illegally obtained lands to remain in the hands of wealthy investors.

What to Expect:

Half the time, we will be in Bogotá where the climate is cool and comfortable. We will meet political analysts, human rights defenders and government officials. The rest of the time, we will visit humanitarian zones in Urabá (the region near Panama) in the states of Antioquia and Chocó. This trip can be physically challenging: Participants must be capable of hiking with their gear in a climate that is hot and humid. However it is worth it to meet with community members and learn about their lives and how they have created such courageous communities. (Witness for Peace is careful about security. Therefore, the possibility always exists that our exact destination will change.)

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