The increase in state terrorism is seen as a reaction to ongoing resistance in Colombia. While the traditionally organised FARC is more or less maintaining its presence in some areas, the UC-ELN, which adopts more of a 'listening' approach to local communities, adapting its work and organisational methods to local conditions, is growing in several areas. The media campaign against refugees seems to be having an enormous effect. What took years in other countries has taken weeks here. One man from Zaire awoke to find the empty bed beside him in flames.
Local sources say the fire was no accident, but a racist arson attack.
Irish people abroad have suffered enough racism for their relatives here to know better, but racism is a serious problem here - ask any traveller. This new wave of hatred must be met with an immediate response. The time to act is now.