Stop Blood Coal
With the 'Stop Blood Coal campaign' PAX aims to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands people who have become victims of paramilitary in the mining area of Cesar, Colombia. We support these victims in their search for truth and reconciliation and push mining companies to take their responsibility and contribute to actual remedy for the victims.
From 1996 to 2006, residents of the Cesar mining region of Colombia, from which European power utilities source most of their coal, have suffered greatly from paramilitary violence. At least 3100 people have been murdered, 55,000 farmers have been driven from their land and hundreds of people have disappeared. Even today, the atrocities faced by victims and their surviving relatives have never been acknowledged, let along compensation being awarded.
PAX has conducted research into the history of paramilitary violence and established that there is a coincidence between the arrival of extractive multinationals and rise of paramilitary presence in the region. Furthermore the mining companies have not helped to prevent the violence from occurring, while they have profited from the consequences, among others through the purchase of land that originally belonged to displaced farmers.
The mining companies so far deny carrying responsibility for the negative human rights impact. In a meantime the victims have been waiting over 15 years for truth and compensation. PAX expects that governments and energy companies, in their role as buyers, consider their suppliers – the coal mining companies - responsible for making a contribution to the solution of the situation of the victims.
Nieuws
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PAX to work with peace tribunal on justice for victims in Colombia
12-11-2018 In order to give the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia better access to the justice system, and to hear more of their testimonies, PAX and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on aspects of transitional justice agreed to in the Colombian peace accord of 2016.
Colombia -
Criminal investigation into mining multinational Drummond
02-11-2018 On Tuesday October 30 Colombian authorities confirmed that they have started a criminal investigation into mining company Drummond over alleged financing of paramilitary forces. The investigation confirms the seriousness of the longstanding allegations and, at the same time, the need for truth and remedy for the many victims and their communities.
Natural Resources, Conflict & Human Rights Colombia -
Prodeco advances on peace and reconciliation
18-10-2018 Mining company Prodeco is leading by example by taking concrete steps that contribute to peace in Colombia. At a recent commemoration of victims in Estados Unidos, close to Prodeco’s La Jagua mine, CEO Mark McManus clearly voiced the company’s commitment to regional peacebuilding. PAX is positive about the actions taken by Prodeco as they are key towards building trust and a reconciliation dialogue.
Natural Resources, Conflict & Human Rights, Dealing with the Past Colombia
