I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together.
I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy. As is often the case in these matters, however, it has not proved possible to establish the full facts in every instance. The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy and we have prioritised the protection of trades unionists, human rights defenders and others who are in immediate danger. I remain concerned at reports of violence against civil society leaders in Colombia, including trades unionists and others.
Human rights in Colombia, and in particular the slow pace in the decrease of impunity, are a major concern for the EU and for Ireland and are addressed in detail in the context of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. Through this mechanism, which addresses the subject directly with the Colombian authorities at official level, the Union engages in a structured manner across the full range of human rights issues, including as regards human rights defenders and trade unionists, prisoners, land restitution, environmental issues, and economic crimes. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights and the interests of labour in Colombia.
As the Deputy will know, Colombia is facing a significant challenge in overcoming decades of violence, and he will be aware of the peace talks in Havana between the government and the main guerrilla organisation. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia has pointed out that an end to the longstanding armed conflict has the potential to transform Colombia in terms of its level of respect for and enjoyment of human rights. As I noted at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 April, the peace process in Colombia is potentially one of the most significant advances in conflict resolution the region has seen and we strongly support it.
Our Embassy at Mexico City is accredited to Bogotá on a non-residential basis. Officers of the Embassy regularly discuss human rights issues, including some of those mentioned by the Deputy, with government interlocutors during their visits to Colombia and meet with international and local civil society organisations working on human rights issues there, including on labour and environmental rights. The Embassy oversees Irish Aid funding which supports civil society organisations in Colombia, with a focus on the protection of human rights defenders and raising awareness of violations. In addition, Irish Aid provides funding to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, focused on their work in support of human rights in south-west Colombia.
The EU-Colombia/Peru Free Trade Agreement, in addition to the emphasis it places on human rights, includes a mechanism for oversight and monitoring of the implementation of labour laws involving the active participation by civil society actors, and establishes an obligation of transparency and public accountability regarding initiatives that could have consequences for labour and/or the environment. This process is overseen by a Trade Committee which will review the implementation of all aspects of the Agreement, including labour, environmental, and trade issues in regular meetings. A meeting of the Committee will take place later this month. Ireland will be represented at the meeting and this will allow us to hear directly the views of Colombia civil society organisations and experts about the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement.
