Celebrating Semana Por La Paz, The Week For Peace in Colombia

“If You Want Peace, Work For Justice”

Global Exchange Presents:
Celebrating Semana Por La Paz, The Week For Peace in Colombia
A CineForum on the Colombian Peace Movement and the Role of US Citizens

Café La Solea, 19th St. and Capp (16th/Mission BART, 14, 49)
San Francisco, CA
Saturday, September 17th @ 7:30pm-9:30pm
Donations accepted of $5-10; no one turned away for lack of funds

*Video presentation: “Plan Colombia: Cashing in on the Drug War Failure” (57 minutes, US, 2003)
*Open Forum to follow
*Traditional Colombian music performed by local artists
*CDs for sale from the Peace Community of Cacarica, Colombia

What is Semana Por La Paz?

Each year, Colombians struggling for peace in their country celebrate Semana Por La Paz, a Week for Peace. The injustice of forty years of war; and the impoverishment, violence and hopelessness it has inflicted upon the nation of Colombia has led many to creatively support new visions of peace. Communities throughout Colombia have said 'no' to the violence of war and have said yes to celebrating the peace that exists today and the peace that is yet to come.

Semana Por La Paz is our chance to join in the celebration, as our Colombian brothers and sisters invite us to join them in dedicating ourselves to reflection and action that promotes peace in Colombia, in our own lives, and throughout the world. By observing Semana Por La Paz in the U.S. we stand in solidarity with Colombians who call for peace in their country.

As U.S. citizens, we have an obligation to educate the public and media about the impact of U.S. military aid, aerial spraying of chemicals (fumigation) and the shift to counterinsurgency policies that contribute to an increasing spiral of violence in Colombia. These policies have contributed to environmental devastation and the forced displacement of thousands in the name of the "war on drugs and terrorism" and "protecting US economic interests." Semana Por La Paz is the perfect opportunity to educate members of your community about the United States’ role in the Colombian conflict, and to challenge decision makers to transform current policy toward Colombia.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit http://www.peaceincolombia.org and http://www.globalexchange.org
CONTACT: Zach at 415-575-5527/zach@globalexchange.org or Natalia at natycalle@hotmail.com