Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
137. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will investigate the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia, where four persons have died, and further support the peace process in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33376/13]
View answer138. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will make representations to the Colombian authorities and raise the matter at the UN Human Rights Council in relation to the military response to the peaceful protest of small farmers in north-eastern Colombia which has resulted in the deaths of four persons to date and hundreds wounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33428/13]
View answer139. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will intervene and condemn the Colombian authorities for vicious oppression of the peasant protest movement in Catatumbo and demand the establishment of a negotiating forum to solve the crisis and to implement what is a legal and constitutional right of the peasant population and to ensure reparation for the families affected by the violent response of the state. [33450/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 139, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the tragic loss of four lives as a consequence of clashes between Colombia’s security forces and protestors in the north-eastern region of Catatumbo. At my request, officials are raising these events with the Colombian authorities and are also in touch with the European External Action Service. I welcome that representatives of an association of farmers from Catatumbo have accepted an invitation from Colombia’s President Santos to discuss issues of concern. In my view, it is important that all citizens who engage peacefully in the political and social developments of their society can do so without fear of risks to their personal security. I urge all parties in Colombia to address issues of insecurity so as to foster conditions for peace and sustainable development.
The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland’s foreign policy. Ireland engages with Colombia on human rights issues both in our contacts with Government and with civil society. When I met with President Santos earlier this year, I discussed with him concerns regarding the situation of human rights in Colombia, and Ireland’s concerns were also raised at the Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review of Colombia last April. Together with our partners in the EU, Ireland will continue to support activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation.
