Mr. Speaker, on April 14 and 17, the town of Toribio, Colombia, came under attack. The guerillas left the town in ruins. Houses, the church and the hospital were destroyed.
The internal armed conflict in Colombia started over 40 years ago and has led to the widespread violation of human rights and international law. There have been massacres and murders at the hands of the guerillas, paramilitary groups and the armed forces. There have been numerous kidnappings in Colombia too.
Currently, over 3,000 Paeces Indians are calling for the return of their land. They have returned to Toribio, with the support of a United Nations delegation. These people are an example of peaceful resistance to war. They reject war as a means to resolve the country's social and political crisis.
I want to pay tribute to these 3,000 men and women who believe in peace and who are promoting peace in their country.