Vilma Rocío Velásquez is Colombia's new ambassador to Haiti. Her resume has been published.
The resume of Vilma Rocío Velásquez Uribe, who would be Colombia's new ambassador to Haiti, was published on the presidential website . The diplomat was serving as consul in Port-au-Prince.
Velásquez Uribe holds a Master's degree in Applied Fine Arts from the University of Gothenburg, in the Kingdom of Sweden, and has dedicated his life primarily to artistic work and the fight for social justice and peace.
She decided to join human rights organizations, such as the Association of Relatives of Detained-Disappeared Persons and the Association of Relatives of Political Prisoners , after the breakdown of the first peace process in 1985, when her partner, Rafael Valencia Muñoz, a former member of the M-19, disappeared in Colombia.
This is Vilma Velásquez's resume. Photo: Personal archive
The diplomat worked with various indigenous community cooperatives and women's groups in artisanal industries. She left the country in 1991 and sought refuge in Sweden. She became involved with Peace Brigades International (PBI), where she served as its legal representative and head of training for volunteers deployed to Colombia, Mexico, and Sri Lanka.
She later studied Art and Design at the University of Gothenburg. Her undergraduate thesis was based on Haitian culture, so in 2002 she made her first trip to the country, establishing contacts for future visits. She returned several times to work with the Swedish Institute, conducting production workshops.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia's speech at the OAS Assembly and what she said about Haiti On June 26, Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia Torres participated in the plenary session of the 55th session of the OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda. Key discussions for the region took place, including the institutional and security crisis in Haiti, mental health as a regional challenge, and the strengthening of the inter-American system of democracy.
The heads of delegation participating in the 55th OAS General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The foreign minister took advantage of this opportunity to propose that Colombia host the OAS General Assembly in 2028, marking the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Bogotá Charter, the organization's founding document.
During his speech, Sarabia also addressed how the challenges facing the region today should be addressed.
“America doesn't need more grandiloquent speeches: it needs concrete actions, courageous decisions, and a political will that matches the suffering and hope of our people. May this assembly not be just a diplomatic meeting, but a renewed commitment to life, to peace, and, above all, to true democracy. (...) Democracy is not inherited; it is built. And today we are called to build it together,” the minister stated.
Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia during the OAS General Assembly. Photo: Foreign Ministry
Regarding the situation in Haiti, the chancellor described it as "the open wound of America" and assured that the country can count on Colombia's support.
“From this place, I raise my voice to say it clearly: there can be no regional democracy without Haiti. And there can be no OAS if we are unable to act urgently, respectfully, and with a long-term vision toward its institutional reconstruction. (...) Haitian sisters and brothers: count on Colombia. Its cause is the cause of all of the Americas,” Sarabia stated.
Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Duarte
eltiempo
