PUBLIC PRESS RELEASE
FOR THE DEFENSE OF WATER, TERRITORY AND DIGNIFIED LIFE; WE REJECT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FRACKING PILOTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PUERTO WILCHES.
Despite the disastrous socio-environmental consequences identified worldwide of the technique of hydrocarbon exploitation in unconventional reservoirs known as fracking, which has been banned in several countries, the National Government headed by President Iván Duque is determined to implement the fracking pilot projects in the municipality of Puerto Wilches. The development of the pilot projects and the intention to make the exploitation of unconventional deposits viable, shows that the current Colombian government does not have on its agenda -except for its pantomime in international instances- to promote the necessary energy transition of the country.
Therefore, the Regional Corporation for the Defense of Human Rights – CREDHOS rejects the implementation of fracking pilots in the municipality of Puerto Wilches and the Magdalena Medio region, characterized by the richness of its biodiversity, but fragile in the face of the expansion of the mining-energy locomotive and the effects of climate change. In a region where extractivism has historically violated the human rights of communities, the implementation of fracking does not represent an advance for the dignity of life and environmental sustainability of the territory.
We also reject the singling out, stigmatization, threats and forced displacement of environmental leaders who, in support of their communities, have raised their voices in protest against the interests of sectors obsessed solely with the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. The situation of vulnerability of those who defend their territory is critical in the face of a government that has postponed the implementation of mechanisms for environmental conservation and the protection of environmental leaders, for example, the lack of interest in ratifying the Escazú Agreement, or tearing up the Peace Agreement and its points for the protection of social leaders and communities.
We support the community of Puerto Wilches and the youth, environmental, social and human rights organizations that are gathering today around the Cultural Carnival for Water and Life at the Citizen Integration Center and Kilometer 3, in opposition to the progress of the implementation of the fracking pilots and the development of the Environmental Public Hearing convened by the National Environmental Licensing Authority – ANLA, about Ecopetrol’s Kalé pilot project.
We hold the National Government, headed by President Iván Duque, responsible for the violation of the human rights of communities and social leaders who exercise their constitutional right to social protest in defense of water, territory and dignified life.
We call on the international community and multilateral organizations (UN and OAS – Inter-American Human Rights System) to monitor the actions of the Colombian State with respect to its obligation to guarantee and respect the fundamental rights of the communities.
CREDHOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BARRANCABERMEJA, FEBRUARY 22, 2022
