Throwing Stones at the Moon: Narratives From Colombians Displaced by Violence

Throwing Stones at the Moondescribe the most widespread of Colombia's human rights crises: forced displacement. Speakers recount life before displacement, the reasons for their flight, and their struggle to rebuild their lives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 380 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

For nearly half a century, Colombia has been plagued by an internal armed conflict that has seen guerrilla groups, paramilitary militias, and the country's own military engage in fierce battles. The lives of civilians in Colombia are constantly threatened by torture, kidnapping, and large-scale massacres, forcing over four million people to flee their homes. The oral histories collected in Throwing Stones at the Moondescribe the most widespread human rights crisis in Colombia: forced displacement. Speakers share their experiences of life before displacement, the reasons behind their flight, and the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives. Among the narrators are JULIA, a hospital union leader who fought against corruption and faced a brutal attempt on her life. In 2009, assassins tracked her to her home and stabbed her seven times in the face and chest. Despite undergoing eight facial reconstructive surgeries, Julia continues to live in hiding, fearful for her safety. DANNY, on the other hand, was just eighteen when he joined a right-wing paramilitary's training camp in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. Initially drawn by the promise of quick money, Danny soon realized his mistake and escaped to Ecuador. He describes his harrowing escape and the struggles he faced as a refugee, supporting two young children. The stories of these individuals highlight the devastating impact of Colombia's armed conflict on its people, and the urgent need for peace and justice.

Dimension: 139 x 209 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642595611