Written Answers - Human Rights Abuses.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
158
Mr. J. O'Keeffe
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if his attention has been drawn to regular massacres and murders of innocent civilians in Colombia perpetrated in particular by paramilitary forces which were established or assented to by the State as well as by guerrilla and other groups; and the steps which are being taken directly or through the European Union to encourage an ending of such activity.
[12245/01]
In common with our EU partners and the wider international community, the Government deplores the continuing violence of both paramilitary groups and guerillas. In our contacts with the Colombian authorities, we have regularly raised incidents involving attacks on and murder of innocent civilians, and have urged them to do all in their power to protect the vulnerable and to bring the perpetrators of violent acts to justice.
The European Union has put in place a Programme of Support for the Peace Process in Colombia to which Ireland is a contributor. This programme focuses on support for the rule of law; the defence of human rights and of international humanitarian law; the fight against the causes of violence, and assistance for the victims of viol ence; the protection of biodiversity and the environment; and the enhancement of consultation and regional co-operation in addressing the problem of illegal drugs trafficking which is closely linked with the prevailing violence.
At the General Affairs Council of 9 April 2001, the EU reaffirmed its support for the peace process in Colombia, underlining that:
"Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is a precondition for advancement in the peace process and a basis for EU support". In addition, Ministers observed that "the Union also notes the ongoing efforts of the Colombian Government to counteract paramilitary activities and urges it to step up these efforts".
These themes were also emphasised in the EU statement on Colombia to the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva on 11 April and reiterated in the terms set out below in the EU statement to the International Meeting of the Support Group for the Peace Process in Brussels on 30 April:
"The EU continues to strongly condemn atrocities, violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses committed by paramilitary groups and the guerrillas. The Union also notes the ongoing efforts of the Colombian Government to counteract paramilitary activities and urges it to step up these efforts. The Union calls upon the Government of Colombia to continue its efforts to effectively combat paramilitarism and to take concrete actions to dismantle these groups by arresting, prosecuting and punishing all those involved in such activities
These key concerns will continue to underpin our policy toward Colombia, as well as our contribution to the framing of European Union policy, including the EU Programme of Support for the Peace Process in Colombia.
