The bishop of the Colombian city of Quibdó, Monsignor Wiston Mosquera Moreno, did this Friday A call to armed groups that act in the department of Chocó to “That they do not involve more or affect the civilian population in their violence.”
This was stated by the prelate just the day in which the 48 -hour armed strike began decreed by the Guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN), which disputes the territory with the Gulf clan, the largest criminal gang in the country.
In a statement, Monsignor Mosquera expressed his “Rotundo rejection of any action of armed groups that implies confinement, displacement or any affectation to the freedom of citizen locomotion”especially in a territory where the population has been “Historically victim of armed conflict and in conditions of vulnerability.”
This is the third armed unemployment imposed by the ELN this year in Chocó and the ninth in the last two years, Where that guerrillas say there is an alleged alliance between military and paramilitaries of the Gulf Clan, also known as the Gaitanista Army of Colombia (EGC).
In armed strikes, the guerrillas usually restrict the displacement of vehicles by roads and rivers, the mobility of people and even order the closure of shops, in addition to committing aggressions and threatening anyone who does not comply with these standards.
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Eln
In that context, Monsignor Mosquera called on the ELN and EGC so that “Violation and violent aggression against communities,” and stressed that “It is urgent to stop this war strategy aimed at violating people’s rights.”
It also demanded compliance with International Humanitarian Law to protect life, health, education and free mobilization of civilians.
In front of the national government, the mitado demanded concrete actions to “Guarantee security and peace permanently” In Chocó, through citizen protection, the implementation of the peace agreement and the neutralization of illegal groups.
He also urged international organizations to monitor the human rights situation, especially of social leaders and defenders at risk.
On the other hand, the Office in Colombia of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the “Eln and EGC to respect the IHL and human rights of all people in Chocó.” “We condemn the declaration of an armed strike from today July 25”he remarked.
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EFE
