The group that worked on xenophobia issues was comprised of indigenous
and Afro- Andean peoples of both sexes. A delegate from the Roma
peoples was also present.

Following the proposed methodology, the problem was diagnosed.

Definition

We define xenophobia as an interpersonal, subjective conduct and,
because of this, more dangerous. It can also include personal
rejection, affecting self-esteem directly.

It is the hate of foreigners founded in the supposed idea that they
will displace work and service possibilities.

It is a type of filter for social, economic and political advancement.

It is a prejudice which contributes to the disintegration of the
social fabric, with a strong presence in Andean society, impeding
integration, organization and development.

All of this is persistently encouraged by States, centralist republics
which respond more to hegemony or the predominance of the Creole or
white minority.

In our countries it has two connotations. On one hand, foreigners
from developed countries are well received. As Andeans we have broader
problems. We are stigmatized as thieves or drug traffickers and when
we migrate to developed countries we are victims of xenophobic
practice. In the case of internal displacement, local reactions have
all the characteristics which we have defined as xenophobic against
victims of internal conflicts in our countries.

Analysis

Xenophobia exists as an expression of rejection among individuals of
different nationalities, cultures or socioeconomic conditions. This
suffering shows that we are facing one of the manifestations of
racism.

Xenophobia reproduces a life style that creates the presence of
supremacy of one culture over another, that is to say Western culture
over Afro-Latin American and indigenous.

Diagnosis

Physical: Violence, corporal mistreatment, cultural uprooting,
imprisonment, disappearances, including murders.

Political: Administrative silence, absence of answers from governments
representing us.

Socioeconomic: Unemployment and underemployment.

Cultural: The denial and rejection of other groups and cultures.
Media gives privilege to diverse patterns of
transculturation (imposition of cultural standards).