More than 7000 “disappeared” persons have been registered by the Association of the Families of the Detained and Disappeared (ASFADDES Colombia). For the families there is no closure. (22-JUNE-05)
Forced disappearances is an instrument of terror and oppression in Colombia. The families suffer many times over. Most of those who are taken are never found again and are presumed dead.
The figure may be higher because many families are afraid to report disappearances for fear of reprisals. Further, ASFADDES has problems getting access to regions dominated by paramilitaries, and have had to close down half of their regional offices due to threats.
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– Two of our colleagues in Medellin have been killed. Our offices have been bombed, raided, and files stolen, says Coordinator Maria Helena Ruiz (right) at ASFADDES.
Her husband disappeared 11 September 1982. A number of people disappeared that year, thirteen students and two unionists. Before the year 2000, forced disappearances weren’t classified as crimes. Even today, the impunity is almost total.
– We are willing to forgive, but we will never forget. We will continue working, because we must prevent this from happening to more people, Ruiz says.
