PUBLIC COMMUNIQUÉ, CIVIL STRIKE IN BUENAVENTURA
Since 2014, the international accompaniment organization FOR Peace Presence has accompanied the civil society organizations and humanitarian spaces, as well as the communities of Rios San Juan, Naya, and Calima in the city and surrounding area of Buenaventura.
In recent weeks, we have become increasingly concerned with the deteriorating safety of residents and participants in the civil strike in Buenaventure. Among the denouncements we have recieved from our counterparts, we were deeply saddened to hear that nine young people were injured in open fire from public forces, and that patients and medical personnel in a local hospital were affected by chemical gases sprayed by ESMAD. Tragically, on May 19 a young man was killed by shooting during the disturbances. He was 22 years old.
