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VVAW Collecting Funds for Colombia Nun's Bulletproof Vest

By Alynne Romo

One of the most dangerous things that Colombians can do is to decide to work for human rights. For the last year, the Colombian government agreed to provide protection - guards, bulletproof vests, safe transport - for these human rights workers, but these have been nothing but empty promises.

VVAW recently met a humble and diminutive nun, Sr. Carolina Pardo, who is doing some very dangerous work investigating the 1998 bombing of civilians in Santo Domingo, an area near where British Petroleum is drilling its new oil well on land dear to the U'Wa people. Nearly twenty people, including children, were killed when government helicopters fired rockets into civilians. The case will take on international ramifications.

Sr. Carolina's important work will put her in the front line of the fight for human rights and it will put her right in the line of fire. So VVAW will raise the funds to get Sr. Carolina her bulletproof vest. There is no guarantee that it will keep her safe. But we do know that the Colombian government will be justifiably embarrassed by our gift. As well they should!

You can help by sending a donation, care of VVAW, with a note that you want your money used TO SEND A VEST TO A NUN who surely needs it!