Yuly Velásquez is a fisherwoman and president of FEDEPESAN, the association for traditional fishing, environmental protection and tourism in the Santander region. The organization, based in Barrancabermeja, reports that fossil fuel companies are polluting the region’s water with refinery waste and oil leaks. Colombia’s largest refinery is located in Barrancabermeja, operated by the country’s largest oil company – but the group denies any responsibility.
FEDEPESAN is so successful in denouncing the environmental destruction that the fishermen are repeatedly threatened and attacked. Yuly Velásquez and her colleagues are calling on the Colombian government to protect their river landscapes as a livelihood for people and animals and to stop the pollution. But the state has been standing idly by for years.
Now it’s up to us: join Yuly Velásquez in putting pressure on the Colombian government to stop the destruction of ecosystems in Santander and prevent further attacks on the members of FEDEPESAN. Attacks on climate protection are attacks on human rights: In no other country are so many activists killed as in Colombia. President Petro’s government must finally act!
Together for the human right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment: send your appeal to the Colombian government now!
Link to action: Website of Amnesty International in Germany