Colombia Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses deep satisfaction for liberation

2 July 2008


BOGOTA-- The Office in Colombia of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights joins the statement issued by the UN Secretary-General and expresses deep satisfaction for the liberation of: José Miguel Arteaga, Juan Carlos Bermeo, Íngrid Betancourt, Julio Buitrago, Armando Castellanos, John Jairo Durán, Armando Flórez, Raimundo Malagón, José Ricardo Marulanda, William Pérez, Vaney Rodríguez and Erasmo Romero, as well as the US citizens: Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell.

The Office reiterates the call on all illegal armed groups, in particular FARC-EP, to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages. It also reiterates that kidnapping is a cruel, inhumane and degrading act which under no circumstances can be justified or excused. Moreover, it reminds that this act constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The Office extends its solidarity to all hostages and their families. It expresses its profound hope that all hostages regain freedom safely as soon as possible and reminds captors that they are responsible for the integrity and security of hostages.

The Office shares the happiness of this liberation with the entire Colombian people.