La Colosa: Strategies for Preventing Real Participation by Communities

Abstract

The active and informed participation of communities affected by territorial transformation processes is a key element in sustainable development. Despite the widespread acceptance of the importance of participation for democratic societies, this human right is being undermined and violated in the context of extractive industries. This paper analyzes the impacts of La Colosa mining project on the human rights of the local population of Cajamarca, Tolima. The text also shows that, although it is the Colombian Government’s obligation to respect, protect and enforce the right to participation, there is complicity by the multinational company in charge of the project to create obstacles for the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedom.