Resistencia en Conflicto: Peace communities as alternative resistance in times of war

Renato Antonio Areiza is a leader of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó in Colombia. Founded in 1997, the community has declared itself neutral in the war and is committed to non-violently demanding its right to justice and peace. Throughout its existence, the Peace Community has taken an extraordinary stand against violence at the very center of a war zone, refusing to support any armed group. Born in San José de Apartadó, Renato has been involved in the peace community since its foundation. Before his current position as Coordinator of the Community Council, he served as the Peace Community’s Coordinator of Education. Renato’s sister, Deyanira Areiza, was among those killed in the February 2005 massacre, while he lost another sister to guerilla violence. Please join us in our discussion about the Colombian conflict and the challenges peace communities face once they have declared neutrality in a time of war.