In early June, the BCGEU learned that Colombian state security forces used indiscriminate and excessive force against Colombian citizens engaged in peaceful protest. This led to deaths, serious injuries and arrests of citizens taking part in the “National Agrarian, Peasant, Ethnic and Grassroots Mobilization – for Good Living, A structural Agrarian Reform and Dignified Cities – Sowing Hope, Harvesting our Country”. The current mobilization was organized by a broad coalition of Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and peasant farmer organizations that have deep concerns with the Colombian government’s development model, in particular its impact on marginalized communities and their access to land and food security.

The BCGEU joined with CoDevelopment Canada in sending letters to both the Colombian government and the Canadian government.