People Behind the Coal

July 6 - 13, 2019

“We need to think more profoundly about the causes of global warming and environmental destruction if we really want to address them.” - Avi Chomsky

Overview

Colombia is the largest recipient of U.S. military aid in the hemisphere, and also the country with the highest levels of state and paramilitary violence, including forced displacement, killings of journalists, trade unionists, and human rights activists.

Foreign corporations, many of which are engaged in the large-scale extraction of natural resources, benefit from this situation. They control Colombia’s coal mines, which supply power plants in the United States while generating immense profits for mining companies. These corporations have been accused of serious human rights violations, displaced entire communities, exploited workers, and destroyed natural environments.

This delegation meets with human rights activists, trade unionists, members of Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, and others affected by coal production in Colombia. We will explore how we as consumers can work in solidarity with communities and organizations in Colombia to hold corporations accountable for human rights.