Monday 7th November, 6.00pm

Yudowitz Lecture Theatre, Wolfson Medical School Building, University of Glasgow

Organised jointy by SCIAF and GHRN

SCIAF and the Glasgow Human Rights Network invite you to an evening with Colombian church leaders and civil society activists to discuss the challenges to peace in the country. Refreshments will be provided at a reception after the meeting.

This event will explore the next steps in Colombia’s bid for peace, and the challenge the society will face along the road. Over the course of the evening, we will hear contributions from SCIAF partners who have been active advocates for peace in Colombia.

Father Sterlin Londoño Palacios, Pastoral Director for Afro-descendent people will provide an overview of the current situation in the country. Bishop Barreto from Quibdó diocese in Chocó will describe the barriers to peace from the perspective of the Catholic Church, which has been closely involved in the peace process. Finally, Diego Melo from the NGO Tierra Digna will speak about economic development driven by multinational business interests, and how this impacts peace building and Colombia’s communities.

Who is SCIAF?

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) is the official overseas aid and development charity of the Catholic Church in Scotland.  SCIAF’s vision is a world in which all people, especially the poor and the oppressed, can live life to the full. We run projects in 15 countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia, helping 280,000 people of all faiths and none to overcome hunger, poverty, war and natural disasters every year.

Context

On 27 September 2016, the Colombian Government, led by Nobel peace prize winner President Santos, signed a historic peace deal with Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People’s Army (FARC-EP). The peace agreement was thought to bring to an end a 50 year conflict which had caused suffering to over 8 million victims.

But just a few weeks later, voters rejected the peace deal in a popular referendum, and drove the Colombian Government back to the negotiating table.

Everyone is welcome.  The talks will be followed by a wine reception.  If you would like to attend, please register on the Eventbrite site.

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First published: 1 November 2016

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