Conflict Zones
Fuelling Fear
Human rights abuses and violence have escalated in Colombia's south-west Pacific region in the past few years. Hundreds of people have been murdered and thousands more forced off their land to increase production of palm oil, a biofuel.
The land seizures taking place in Colombia for biofuel cultivation are not happening in a vacuum. They are directly linked to the increasing global demand for 'green' alternatives to petroleum and a reduction in carbon emissions that harm the environment. In addition to its use as an alternative energy source, palm oil and related products are also used in margarine, crisps, pastries, detergents, soap and toothpaste.
Global demand for palm oil has doubled in the last decade, and concern is growing over the impact of biofuel cultivation on global food prices. But less is known about the threat the biofuels revolution poses to the security of vulnerable communities in places like Colombia.
The UK government has a history of supporting Colombia's military campaign to defeat the guerrilla forces and has been accused of turning a blind eye to human rights abuses against civilians.
As the demand for palm oil and other biofuels increases, it is now time to question the role played by the UK government and other investors in propagating further violence and bloodshed against Colombian communities, whose right to land and security is increasingly under threat as a result of the biofuels revolution.
» Read the press release here
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