Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 October 2012
42. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the group styling itself the Patriotic March, an amalgamation of civic society groups and individuals in Colombia; his views on whether it is a new and positive development that will encourage civil participation and engagement; and whether they be afforded the necessary security and space to develop. [44824/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the establishment of the National Patriotic Council (CPN) in Colombia and the Patriotic March which took place in April to mark its formation. The CPN movement is a grouping of civil society groups and activists, and describes its focus as being that of achieving peace and social transformation through democratic means. It is important to acknowledge that the overall trend in relation to human rights in recent years in Colombia has been positive, with progress on the promotion and protection of human rights. While many challenges remain, the Colombian Government's efforts in this area deserve our support as we encourage further progress. I note that President Santos has stated in regard to the CPN that an expansion of voices and spaces for political expression enriches Colombian democracy.
In this regard, the Government of Ireland actively supports representatives of civil society in Colombia in their efforts to address the legacy of the conflict through democratic and peaceful means. Since 2009, Irish Aid has provided NGOs and Irish missionaries with funding of over €3.5 million for projects in Colombia. €100,000 in Irish Aid funding was approved in April 2011 for an Inter-American Commission on Human Rights project which seeks to protect the rights of human rights defenders in Colombia as well as in Venezuela and Ecuador. Funding for 2012 is currently under consideration.
The Colombian Government is open to dialogue and engagement on human rights with Ireland and with the EU. Together with our partners in the European Union, Ireland will continue to support these efforts and to monitor the situation through our Embassy in Mexico City.
