VP/HR — Murder in an indigenous shelter (Colombia)

11.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009596-15
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Javier Couso Permuy (GUE/NGL)

In the Resguardo Indígena de Cañamomo Lomaprieta (Cañamomo Lomaprieta Indigenous Shelter), small-scale mining helps to support the agricultural families of the area. This mining activity is beginning to come under threat due to pressure exerted by the multinational corporation Anglo Gold Ashanti, which wants to develop its activities in the area.

In these circumstances, the murder of Fernando Salazar Calvo, chairman of the Asociación de Mineros de la Unión [Union Miners Association] and spokesperson for the Asociación de Mineros del Resguardo Indígena Cañamomo y Lomaprieta de Riosucio y Supia [Cañamomo y Lomaprieta de Riosucio y Supia Indigenous Refuge Miners Association] (ASOMICAR), has caused consternation in the area.

Mr Salazar was a key defender of indigenous mining rights and fought to uphold these rights. This loss benefits the interests of the multinational corporation, which is continuing to pressurise the population of the indigenous shelter.

Is the Vice-President considering seeking explanations from the government of the Republic of Colombia and the multinational corporation regarding their actions?

Does the Vice-President feel that, as certain points of the Association Agreement with Colombia have been breached once again, concerning human rights, as have the rights of the indigenous people in relation to their lawful activities, it is time to revise certain points of the agreement in question?