The abduction occurred near the headquarters of the Embera Katio in Tierralta (Cabildos Mayores del RioSinú y Rio Verde - CAMAEMKA). While no one has claimed responsibility for this cowardly act, the wayin which the abduction was carried out lends itself to the conclusion that this act was perpetrated by members of a paramilitary group. This was confirmed to ICCHRLA* by the state's Human Rights Ombudsman inMonteria (Defensor del Pueblo). As this action was being drafted, Kimy'swhereabouts remain unknown.** Kimy Pernia Domicóis a highly respected and key leader of the EmberaKatio indigenous nation in the northern department of CÛrdoba, Colombia. In November 1999, ICCHRLA had the privilege of hosting Kimy PerniaDomicó when he came to Canada to testify at Hearings conducted by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade about the devastating impact of the Urrá I dam that received partial financingfrom Canada's Export Development Corporation (EDC). Kimy's testimony revealed that since the construction of the Urrá I dam, fish in the river have disappeared and the Embera - robbed of their mainsource of protein - are becoming sick due to malnutrition. He also testified that the dam's reservoir is flooding Embera homes, land and crops."

Search Blocked

The Colombian state blocked all attempts to find Kimy. The Embera werestopped from marching. Helpers camped in a park, while paramilitaries onhigh calibre motorbikes circled them. After 10 days of searching thecommission had to suspend further activities due to the "persistentaggression and lack of [security] guarantees ". One of the participantsin the search for Kimy was another Embera leader Pedro Alirio Domicó. He was abducted over the weekend of 23rd June, reportedly by the UnitedSelf-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC). His body was found three dayslater in the village of Alto Guarumal, near Tierralta. He had been shot seven times in the head and chest.

* Inter-Church Committee on Human Rights in Latin America

** Kimy has still not been found.

For latest information contact:Cabildo Mayor Embera Katio CAMAEMKA Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it