Posted on August 31, 2018
ADAO is excited to present at the Rosario University in Bogota, Colombia on September 13, for the engaging seminar– Asbestos: A Silent Killer?
Hosted by the Observatory of Networks and Collective Action (ORAC), the IZE Foundation, and the Ana Cecilio Foundation at Rosario University, International and Colombian advocates, educators, and politicians will gather to discuss the use of asbestos in Colombia and around the world. During the seminar, there will be three panels that will discuss the scientific hazards of asbestos, the controversies surrounding Colombia’s potential asbestos ban, and the national and international activist efforts.
In addition to the discourse, there will be a screening of the Colombian asbestos movie, Inextingubile. This powerful documentary, which just months ago was premiered on one of Colombia’s largest television networks, highlights the late Ana Cecilio’s fight for an asbestos ban in Colombia, and the legacy she left behind.
I am excited to rejoin Daniel Pineda Gonzalez, Director of the Ana Cecilio Foundation and recipient of the 2018 Alan Reinstein Award, at the Colombian conference in a few weeks.
Here is what a few of them have to say about this conference:
Juan Carlos Guerrero Bernal, Director of the Observatory of Networks & Collective Action (ORAC)
Q: What are you hoping to accomplish from this conference in Colombia?
A: With this conference we hope to contribute to the public debate around the need to control or prohibit the use of asbestos in Colombia. This is still an emerging debate in our country in spite of eight attempts to enact laws related to the use of asbestos. As a proof of the level of weakness of this debate, seven of these attempts haven’t even passed the first round of debates in Congress. Just in the eighth and last opportunity, a bill has actually passed on to the second debate (In Colombia bills have to pass a minimum of four debates in Congress in order to be approved). And it is not only on the political arena that the debate is limited, coverage in the media by journalists is also far from being sufficient. Our purpose, thus, is to open a space for debate within academia, with an attempt to stimulate discussions in the political arena and the media.
Q: How will your conference raise awareness in Bogotá and around the world?
A: We believe this conference will contribute to increase the awareness about the risks and dangers in the use of asbestos, since some experts will come to discuss about the scientific quarrels around the degree of danger associated with the use of this mineral fiber. The general public is distant from the scientific debates that are usually confusing and complex. We also wish to motivate a stronger conscience on the political dynamics and obstacles that there are in order to approve a law forbidding the use of asbestos in Colombia. Lastly, we want Colombian citizens to learn about what other countries around the world have done to address this problem, since there is limited knowledge about the fact that other countries have, for a long time, recognized the danger in asbestos.
Daniel Pineda Gonzalez, Director of Ana Cecilio Foundation
Q: What does it mean to have these discussions about asbestos?
A: This discussion will take place in one of the universities with the best reputation in Latin America, one of the best, in a neutral setting, where the academy, the scientists, government officials, activists have been invited, and also the industry that defends the use of asbestos (the latter finally rejected the invitation). This allows us to show the country and the Colombian senate the reality about asbestos from different social arenas and different points of view.
Q: How do you feel about ADAO accompanying you at this event in Colombia?
A: It is an excellent visit! ADAO is for us an example of a great organization. It is the union of many people with a big heart and really aware. We want many people to realize that this fight of trying to achieve an asbestos ban is urgent and necessary. And to realize, too, that we can get together still much more as ADAO does in the United States. The more united we are, the more chances we will have to make the generations that come after us to breathe a purer air. Regardless of which part of the planet you are.
Felipe Rico Atara, IZE Foundation
Q: What is the significance of this activists discussion for Colombia?
A: This event is very important, because we have the wonderful opportunity to put the topic of asbestos back on the table of discussion from a serious scenario, as is the academic one. The invited lecturers are very relevant people for the subject, not only in the national scope, but also international, so hopefully it will be very enriching for all.
Q: How do you feel about Inextinguible screening at this event?
A: Very excited! It will be a wonderful meeting because many of the attendees have a direct relationship with the film: creative team, protagonists, common people that support our crowdfunding campaign, without which it would not have been possible to finish the documentary. I hope this story touches the hearts of the attendees and highlight the fight of #ColombiaSinAsbesto
Linda Reinstein
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