Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
832. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current position in respect of the abuse of human rights in Colombia; the extent to which this situation continues to improve; if it is expected the EU may influence progress in this regard in the context of the EU trade agreement with Colombia and Peru; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41735/14]
View answerWhile the human rights situation in Colombia remains an area of considerable concern, it is important to note that significant efforts are being made to address abuses and their causes. In recent years, the government has introduced a victims’ and land restitution law and protective measures for vulnerable persons. This improving trend has been noted in the most recent annual report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) 2014 report on Latin America.
The current peace process between the government and guerrilla forces offers further potential for an improvement in the overall human rights situation. To quote the report of the OCHCR, which commends the government for its approach to the peace process: ‘Many human rights violations linked to the internal armed conflict could be ended or greatly reduced if the progress made in the peace negotiations leads to well conceived and implemented peace accords. An end to hostilities would also create a unique opportunity to address human rights more broadly’.
Officers from the our Embassy in Mexico continue to monitor closely the human rights situation in Colombia through contacts within government, civil society and third country missions based in Bogotá. Moreover, the EU has in place a range of mechanisms to monitor the human rights situation on the ground.
The Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru includes a sustainable development chapter that provides the EU with an important means to contribute to supporting positive social reforms and to the greater protection of human rights. In addition, the human rights provisions attaching to the FTA are robust by the standards of such Agreements and ultimately permit a unilateral and immediate suspension in the case of grave violations. Ireland strongly promoted the inclusion of these provisions in the agreement.
The human rights dimension has been developed further by the elaboration by the Colombian side, at the request of the European Parliament, of ‘roadmaps’ on human, labour and environmental rights. Through these provisions the EU will assist in encouraging economic and social progress and wider respect for human rights in Colombia.
