Fighting Global Poverty
Caught in the Crossfire
War on Want hosted its very first major photographic exhibition at the Spitz Gallery, London, from 4-17 September 2006.
Colombia has suffered over forty years of civil war between guerrillas, government and paramilitary forces, a conflict which has left thousands dead and caused the internal displacement of approximately 3 million people.
Colombia has suffered over forty years of civil war between guerrillas, government and paramilitary forces, a conflict which has left thousands dead and caused the internal displacement of approximately 3 million people.
Entitled “Colombia – Caught in the Crossfire” the exhibition charted the journey of displaced Afro-Colombian communities from their home in the delta of the Yurumanguí river to the slums of Buenaventura and Cali.
It featured work from photographer Elcio Carriço (see his website here) who travelled through Colombia visiting War on Want's partner Palenque el Congal.
Known for violence, drugs and kidnappings, the reality of Colombia is very different from its popular image. Despite its natural beauty and abundance of resources, extreme poverty makes Colombia one of the most unequal societies in the world today. Civil war has torn Colombia apart for more than 40 years and vulnerable minorities like the Afro-Colombian river communities suffer the most.
Paramilitaries and guerrillas often occupy the Valle del Cauca region on Colombia’s south-west coast, where most descendants of African slaves freed 150 years ago live dispersed in rural areas. These river communities are intimidated into fleeing to slums in the city Buenaventura by the prospect of frequent attacks, murders and abduction of their children.
Caught between rightwing paramilitaries and leftwing guerrillas, the way of life of the people in the river delta of the Yurumanguí is under threat and over three million people have lost their homes.
In response, War on Want works with Palenque el Congal, a grassroots organisation based in Buenaventura, who work with marginalized black Afro-Colombian communities to enhance their civil, political, land and cultural rights.
For more information on Colombia and War on Want's other work, click on the links below.
Paramilitaries and guerrillas often occupy the Valle del Cauca region on Colombia’s south-west coast, where most descendants of African slaves freed 150 years ago live dispersed in rural areas. These river communities are intimidated into fleeing to slums in the city Buenaventura by the prospect of frequent attacks, murders and abduction of their children.
Caught between rightwing paramilitaries and leftwing guerrillas, the way of life of the people in the river delta of the Yurumanguí is under threat and over three million people have lost their homes.
In response, War on Want works with Palenque el Congal, a grassroots organisation based in Buenaventura, who work with marginalized black Afro-Colombian communities to enhance their civil, political, land and cultural rights.
For more information on Colombia and War on Want's other work, click on the links below.
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View a gallery of Palenque el Congal's communities With beautiful pictures taken by Elçio Carrico. |
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Palenque el Congal Click here to find out more about the vital work of our Colombian partner. |
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Photo catalogue We have produced a special catalogue featuring postcards of photographs by Elcio Carriço who travelled around the region affected by displacement. Click here to buy one. |
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