YMCA takes stand against violence in Colombia

15 March 2002

The YMCA of Colombia is taking a definite stance against the country’s escalating violence for the first time in years of bitter conflict.

It is calling for a negotiated peace settlement, and for the non-involvement of young people in the fighting between government, guerrilla and paramilitary forces.

Delegates from across Europe, Latin America and Africa, attended the YMCA’s recent international conference, Challenge for Colombia: Solidarity, harmony and peace, held in Medellin, Colombia. Keynote speakers included members of governments and development agencies.

Also at the week-long event were members of Colombia’s internally displaced community, and 50 young people from local YMCAs across the country – who for the past year have been investigating the effects of conflict on young people

“The idea was to share experiences of youth and conflict, and look at ways of tackling the problems,” said Sarah Walker,Y Care International’s Latin America Programme Co-ordinator, who was at the conference.

“It’s the first time that young people in Colombia have developed a national strategy to deal with the difficulties.”