Towards the end of the year people like to look back. Especially with our partner organisation ACOOC it is worthwhile to look back on what we have achieved. ACOOC, a contact point for young conscientious objectors in Colombia, has become a strong lobby organisation in recent years.
ACOOC (Acciòn Colectiva de Objetoras y Objetores de Conciencia - Collective Action for Conscientious Objection in Colombia) has been supported by terre des hommes switzerland for five years. For most people in Switzerland it is difficult to understand how important ACOOC's commitment to young people in Colombia is. In short: Those who do military service are at the mercy of considerable risks and those who refuse it are not allowed to take up regular employment for life.
Started as a simple contact point
ACOOC began in 1999 as a contact point for conscientious objectors, offering informative workshops, psychosocial support and public relations work. Since then ACOOC has developed strongly. It has developed from a contact point for conscientious objectors into a powerful and professional organisation that has also achieved a lot politically and is sometimes accepted as a lobby group by politicians, especially in Bogota.
Much has changed legally
The Batidas, recruits for military service off the streets, have been declared illegal by the Supreme Court. Thanks to ACOOC and its allies, these Batidas and conscientious objection to military service have gone from a taboo to a public issue in Colombia. Recently, a Batida was secretly filmed by Colombian state television and brought to public attention. This after the Supreme Court raised freedom of conscience to constitutional status. At the same time, the legislator was instructed to include the possibility of civilian service in the laws. Accordingly, President Santos has now announced that he will find a legal solution as soon as a peace treaty with the FARC rebels is signed.
Alarm system for Batidas
While much has been achieved at national level, there is still much work to be done for our partner organisation at the practical level. Although batidas are illegal, the military still carries them out, albeit less frequently. Until the legislator has put an end to this activity, ACOOC has set up an alarm system against Batidas. If an alarm is triggered, someone from ACOOC will come and observe the events and record them for later legal proceedings.
Political backing in Bogota
In addition to creativity and perseverance, ACOOC's work also convinces with its ability to seek political support. Thus the current mayor of Bogota, Gustavo Petro, stands behind the concerns of our partner organisation. In cooperation with ACOOC, the city of Bogota has had instructions printed that explain how young people can best refuse military service.
Project work by terre des hommes switzerland is a marathon
In Colombia, a country that is marked by violence through and through, the work of small organisations like ACOOC only bears (great) fruit after many years. Only a long-term commitment can give our partner organisations sufficient support to enable them to develop. And this commitment is only possible with the support of our donors. Many thanks for this!
