Return
Organization profile published 1980

Publisher:  Human Rights Committee, Christian Movement for Peace, Toronto, Canada
Year Published:  1980
Resource Type:  Organization
Cx Number:  CX2104

Abstract: 
"Return" is a committee of Chilean exiles, who along with thousands of other Chilean exiles throughout the world are proposing to return to Chile. Since the coup of 1973 nearly one in every ten Chileans has been forced into exile. The committee feels that the return of these people would tremendously increase the strength of the opposition to dictatorship. The Chilean junta does not favor their return, but from the exiles' point of view, the reasons for returning are so strong that many are in fact going back. According to the committee, this return will have to take place through "the back door, since the from door is closed to them'.

The committee lists the reasons for returning: first, the exiles feel a right to live n their own country and feel they were exiled for unjust reasons; second, having been forcibly uprooted, they have suffered psychologically and morally; third and most importantly, they feel strongly the right and duty to struggle for democracy in Chile, even at the risk of hardship,, repression or even death.

"Return" is asking for Canadian support. The committee feels that Canadian public opinion and pressure can help create a climate that allows exiles to return. The Chilean military junta is quite sensitive to Canadian pressure, since Canada is its biggest per capita foreign investor.

The returning exiles' most urgent need is economic support to make their return possible. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to "Return" at the above address.

This abstract was published in the Connexions Digest in 1980.