Colombia: For the environment and the rights of indigenous children

Colombia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for environmental activists. And in no other region of the country are more activists murdered than in Cauca. Despite the threat, Daniela (24) fights non-violently for the forests and water sources of her people. And for the children.

“I am a member of the Kiwe Thegnas. We are the self-defense group of my people, the Nasa. We work non-violently for harmony and Buen Vivir, the ‘Good Life’ for all in harmony with nature. Our struggle for peace brings us into conflict with guerrillas, drug cartels, and the agricultural industry. The fertile soil of our mountains is coveted. Forests are destroyed to make way for vast sugarcane fields and the illegal cultivation of coca.”.

The chemicals used are poisoning our water sources. My job includes teaching children our history and respect for Mother Nature. This knowledge also provides protection: those who belong to the Kiwe Thegnas are less likely to be recruited by armed groups. If it does happen, we try to persuade the young people to leave.
 

Daniela bravely continues to fight

Often successfully, much to the criminals' chagrin. I've lost family members and leaders of my people. They paid the price for standing up to the armed groups. I, too, have been threatened. They told me to stop speaking publicly. I was interfering with their business. It's unsettling to hear someone say, 'If you continue speaking out at your meetings, we might do something to you.' Right outside my front door, they asked me if I wanted to end up in a coffin. Of course, that's frightening.

For a while, I left my village. But many young people said, 'We don't want you to leave. You are the voice for those who are afraid to speak out.' That gave me the strength to keep fighting. I will continue my grandparents' legacy. I will continue to defend life