Churches Responding to MCC Colombian Refugee Sponsorship Initiative

Refugee Assistance

"If you speak out against injustice in Colombia today, then you have four ways to live. One, you can leave. Two, you can live like a gypsy and never sleep in the same bed twice. Three, you can hire armed guards. Four, you can die."

"Diego" uses a pseudonym and chooses to live like a gypsy as he works for justice in Colombia. However, with increasing numbers of Colombians choosing the first option and trying to escape the conflict and human rights violations, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada has been working to help find a safe haven in Canada for 30 people (approximately 10 families) whose lives are in danger.

"In many ways, the project we have put into place is working very well," says Tim Wichert, who coordinates MCC Canada's Refugee Program. The Teusaquilla Mennonite Church in Bogota refers Colombians seeking asylum to the Canadian Embassy and to MCC. MCC then connects the refugees with churches and community groups in Canada willing to sponsor the new immigrants for one year.

One family recently arrived in Toronto, two families will soon arrive in Winnipeg followed by another two in Calgary.

Wichert says that the Canadian government has more than doubled its quota for Colombian refugees, with 450 cases in 2000 and plans to increase that number to over 1,100 this year. Sponsorships through MCC are in addition to these numbers. He says the response from churches has been "very positive." In fact, with more churches willing to sponsor than available cases, his goal is to see MCC increase the number of people assisted from 30 this year to at least 100 people each year.

However, he notes that the Teusaquilla committee is staffed entirely by volunteers who must divide their time among other peace and justice initiatives. "We really need the resources for a staff person or volunteer who can dedicate more time to this in Bogota," he says.

Colombia's civil war has left an estimated 200,000 dead and over two million people displaced within the country. On a recent trip to Colombia, Wichert found that appearances are deceiving. "In many respects, the violence in Colombia is hidden," he says.

"But then we visited some of the communities where displaced people had gathered, and we started hearing stories. Terrible stories of kidnapping, torture, rape and murder. And the simple gesture of having someone point a gun in your face and say you must leave, must leave behind your home, your land, your community, and flee."

For many, these experiences point to only one option - leaving the country. And with help from Mennonite churches in Colombia and Canada along with MCC, some of them are getting an opportunity for a more secure life in a new country.

For more information on refugee sponsorship, contact MCC Canada (204) 261-6381.

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