This episode of the Colombia Calling podcast explores the complex relationship between Canadian mining interests and Colombia's post-conflict landscape, highlighting historical conflicts, foreign influence, and human rights issues. We speak to Lital Khaikin, a freelance journalist and writer currently based in Montréal, who has deeply investigated this topic. Canadian mining companies have increasingly set their sights on Colombia, attracted by its rich mineral resources. However, this influx has raised significant concerns regarding human rights abuses and environmental degradation. The conversation with Lita Khaikin reveals the intricate web of issues surrounding Canadian mining in Colombia. As we delve deeper into these topics, it becomes clear that raising awareness and holding companies accountable is crucial for the future of affected communities. As listeners, consider how you can stay informed and advocate for change in the extractive industries. Important links: "Blood of Extraction" fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/blood-of-extraction This article by independent journalist Garry Leech come up during research : https://nacla.org/plan-petroleum-putumayo/ The Global Witness report on land defenders killed globally : https://globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/at-least-146-land-and-environmental-defenders-killed-or-disappeared-globally-in-2024/ This is a report about Indigenous peoples in Putumayo by the Observatorio de Derechos Territoriales de los Pueblos Indígenas : https://www.cntindigena.org/situacion-territorial-de-los-pueblos-indigenas-en-el-departamento-del-putumayo/ Two episodes to recommend : "566: Peacebuilding Cannot Happen Without Security: Why the Killings of Social Leaders in Colombia Continues" : https://soundcloud.com/colombiacalling/566-peacebuilding-cannot "580: Truth Demands: Murder, Oil Wars, and Climate Justice" : https://soundcloud.com/colombiacalling/580-truth-demands-murder-oil Article by Lital Khaikin on Putumayo that gets into Indigenous land rights : https://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/04/inside-the-indigenous-land-back-movement-in-colombia/ And this one with NACLA: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1080/10714839.2025.2542084 The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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