The First Foreign President in Armenia Quarter of Colombia
Published: Tuesday, Aug 8th 2023, 19:00
Aktualisiert am: Freitag, 13. Oktober 2023, 14:12
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The Swiss government has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian aid and peacebuilding in Colombia. President Alain Berset visited the poverty-stricken city of Buenaventura to view aid projects. He was the first foreign president to visit the city's impoverished neighborhoods. Berset spoke with a young man living in an area particularly affected by poverty and violence, who is involved in the "Transformando Mentes" aid project. He was moved by the story of a woman who lost her son in a massacre 18 years ago. He also spoke with Bishop Ruben Dario Jaramillo Montoya, who is attempting to mediate between two criminal gangs in the city with the support of Switzerland. The security situation in Colombia's conflict areas is precarious, with many internally displaced people. There have been few advances towards peace, and armed groups have filled the power vacuum left by the former guerrilla organization FARC. Murders of human rights defenders are still occurring. Berset emphasized the role of peace in improving the humanitarian situation in the region. The Swiss delegation's visit is important to bring the issues to the political agenda. Switzerland has been supporting projects in the region for years to strengthen civil society, protect the population, and promote political participation.nnnnnn
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