Organic Fertilizer Plant Employs Former Rebels

August 1, 2008
Adriana Correa, International Organization for Migration
Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)

OneWorld.net note: With the assistance of international aid agencies, the Colombian government is helping former FARC rebels demobilize and reintegrate into society by employing them in organic fertilizer plants and providing them with health and educational support.

A poster at an anti-FARC rally that shows the former FARC leader, Manuel Marulanda, as Pinocchio, with the writing 'No more lies, No more deaths, No more FARC.' © Henry ManceA poster at an anti-FARC rally that shows the former FARC leader, Manuel Marulanda, as Pinocchio, with the writing 'No more lies, No more deaths, No more FARC.' © Henry Mance
  • In 2003, the Colombian government agreed to rehabilitation programs and reduced prison sentences for members of a distinct paramilitary group, the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, who in return agreed to demobilize and fully disclose their crimes to the government. Between 2003 and 2006, 30,000 militants surrendered, although "evidence is emerging of several faultlines in the process," writes OneWorld UK.
  • The successful rescue of Colombian political leader Ingrid Betancourt, popular support for Colombian President Uribe's anti-rebel policies, and the death of two high-profile FARC leaders represents the beginning of the end for the Colombian rebel movement, says the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, a policy think tank focused on Latin America.
  • This year alone, over 3,000 guerillas deserted the FARC, leaving the paramilitary group with an estimated 9,000 members -- only half of their number as estimated ten years ago. Since President Uribe took office, terrorist attacks have declined by 70 percent while kidnappings have dropped by 80 percent.

Recently Opened Organic Fertilizer Plant Employs 30 Colombian Men and Women Demobilized from Illegal Armed Groups

From: International Organization for Migration

Adriana Correa, IOM Colombia

Posted on Thursday, 17-07-2008  

Colombia - The second of 10 planned organic fertilizer plants, which will provide employment to 300 men and women demobilized from illegal armed groups, recently opened in the city of Medellín.

The plants raise earthworms to produce solid and liquid humus, a brown or black organic substance consisting of partially or wholly decayed vegetable or animal matter that provides nutrients for plants and increases the ability of soil to retain water.

The 2,500 square metre plant treats up to 3.5 tonnes of organic waste per day, which translates into a monthly production of 40 tonnes of solid humus and 3,000 liters of liquid humus, all of which will be purchased by Biprocol Company.

Biprocol Company is implementing the project under the coordination of Colombia's High Commission for Reintegration (ACR), with technical support from IOM, and funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mayor's Office of Medellín.

The employees receive government assistance for education, health care and psychosocial support, while they are training to become technicians in earthworm raising.

At the plant's opening ceremony, Andrés Gonzalez, General Manager of Biprocol, said he is proud that the private sector, the government and international organizations have a chance to work together to create employment for Colombians who believe in contributing to a peaceful country.

The Presidential High Commissioner for Reintegration, Frank Pearl, added that these joint endeavours lead to the successful economic reintegration of demobilized persons who need support in order to fully reintegrate and become autonomous citizens.

From November 2003 to August 2006, more than 31,000 members of the illegal self-defense groups had demobilized as a result of a peace process with the Colombian government. IOM provides its support to the government of Colombia for the reintegration process of these men and women as they transition into civilian life.

The other plants are planned for the cities of Montería, Sincelejo, Valledupar, Cartagena and Pereira.

For more information visit www.oim.org.co and http://biprocol.com/

 

 

To learn more about Colombia and displaced persons, visit the International Organization for Migration. 

Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)
  • Login to comment
  • Print
  • Text Size
  • Email