Misael Socarrás Ipuanas is a Wayúu Indigenous land defender from the La Guajira region of Colombia. On 12 December, Misael was attacked by gunmen who clearly intended to kill him. We are deeply concerned by and strongly condemn this attack on his life.
We have known Misael Socarrás Ipuana for many years in the context of our work in support of communities affected by the Cerrejón coal mine, which for the past 25 years has been owned by companies listed on the London Stock Exchange – currently by Glencore plc. Misael has played a leading role in publicising the mine’s social and ecological impacts and calling for change. In particular, he has defended the Arroyo Bruno, which the mining company has insisted on diverting from its natural course.
Today we are endorsing the statement issued by our allied organisations in Colombia: the José Alvear Restrepo Lawyers’ Collective (CAJAR), the Centre for Research and Popular Education (CINEP), CENSAT Agua Viva – Friends of the Earth Colombia, and the Inter-American Association for Environmental Defense (AIDA).
Alongside 49 other worldwide organisations, we have signed an international statement in solidarity with Misael and defenders of land, the environment and human rights in La Guajira, Colombia.