I propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 447 together.
I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy. I also note that, in the case of Senator Iván Cepeda, an application for precautionary measures has been made to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
Both matters are stark reminders that Colombia faces significant challenges in overcoming decades of violence. Peace talks are continuing in Havana and I welcome the major announcement last September between the Colombian government and the main guerrilla organisation, FARC, on a final date for the signature of a peace accord (23 March 2016) and of the transitional justice measures that will be part of this agreement. This agreement underscores the extent to which the Colombian peace process has now reached a point of no return.
I also welcome the recent announcement by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, appointing the former Tánaiste, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, as Special Envoy to the Colombian peace process. Deputy Gilmore made his first visit to Bogotá last week in his capacity as special envoy and his programme included a meeting with President Santos who has underlined the importance he attaches to Deputy Gilmore's appointment as a political signal of the EU's commitment to Colombia and the successful conclusion and implementation of the peace process.
Ireland will continue to support efforts towards achieving a lasting peace in Colombia.
The promotion and protection of human rights is also a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy. When I met with the Colombian Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Patti Londoño, in Dublin on 18 June 2015 I raised the human rights situation in Colombia with her, emphasising the importance Ireland places on protecting trades unionists, human rights defenders, journalists and others.
Officers from our Embassy in Mexico regularly discuss human rights issues 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 environmental rights. In addition, Irish Aid provides funding to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Colombia which is specifically targeted on the work of promoting human rights in Colombia.
Human rights in Colombia are a major concern for the EU, including Ireland and other member states, 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 EU 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 and environmental issues. I believe that our policy of regular engagement, dialogue, and scrutiny within this structured framework is the best way to promote human rights in Colombia.
