Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
142. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the assassinations of political and community activists in Colombia, which have massively increased in recent months (details supplied). [35075/18]
View answerI am aware of the climate of violence and intimidation which exists for political and community activists and leaders in Colombia, as well as of the worrying figures to which the Deputy refers regarding assassinations. This continues to be a matter of real concern for the Government.
I wish, first of all, to extend to all of those affected by acts of violence in Colombia during 2018 my sincere sympathies and condolences. I reiterate that such violence is entirely unacceptable. I am glad to have this opportunity to once again urge the Government of Colombia to ensure that all such violent incidents are thoroughly investigated and their perpetrators brought to justice. engage regularly with human rights defenders and civil society leaders active across the country.
The Department provides funding directly to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia (OHCHR) to support its important work in promoting and protecting human rights including in some of Colombia’s most isolated and challenging regions, as well as to the Inter American Commission on Human Rights, which provides protection measures to community leaders and activists operating in Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America.
I firmly believe that Colombia’s peace accord provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society for decades can successfully be addressed. Historic strides have been made to date in its implementation. However, it is important to acknowledge that significant challenges still remain in implementation, including in the areas of de-mining, attention to victims, transitional justice, and rural development, some of which of course will have an impact on the situation of political and community activists.
As we know from our own experience, peace is the work of decades. Ireland is committed to supporting the full implementation of the agreement to ensure the eradication of violence in vulnerable communities and a more peaceful future for all Colombians. Having a permanent diplomatic presence on the ground in Colombia when our Embassy is opened there in early 2019, working with the Colombian authorities and alongside our EU partners, will greatly enhance our ability to meet that commitment.
