The Government is deeply concerned by the widespread and systematic abuse of human rights in Colombia.
I am aware of the paramilitary incursion on 16 May 1998 into Barrancabermeja in the department of Santander, in which over 30 people were reported to have been killed or "disappeared" and that the perpetrators have not been apprehended.
This murderous attack, and the impunity of those responsible, is only one of many similar atrocities carried out by paramilitaries linked to the security forces as well as by guerrillas in Colombias long running and devastating civil war. Over the past five years, several thousand civilians have been killed by paramilitary groups throughout the country. Rural communities in disputed zones have repeatedly suffered attacks, as neither the armed forces and their associated paramilitaries, nor the armed left-wing insurgents, have recognised the civilian population's neutrality or immunity in the conflict.
The new Government of President Pastrana, which took office in August 1998, is well aware of the concerns of the Irish Government and our EU partners – we deplore violations of human rights by state agents and the failure to investigate crimes such as those mentioned by the Deputy, or to act against perpetrators.
In December 1998, the Pastrana government launched a major initiative against endemic impunity by the establishment of a Special Committee to Expedite Investigations into Human Rights Violations, as part of an Integrated Human Rights Strategy.
President Pastrana has gone further by welcoming an offer by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Robinson, of assistance in setting up a national plan for human rights which will also have the aim of promoting dialogue between Colombians.
Evidence of the Pastrana government's serious intentions regarding the dismantlement of the paramilitary groups was shown by the recent dismissal of the two army generals most notoriously associated with these murderous entities.
