HR/98/28
20 April 1998


The following is a statement issued today by Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:

On Saturday last one of Colombia's leading human rights activists, Mr. Eduardo Umaña Mendoza, was assassinated in his office. He was the third Colombian human rights defender to be killed in the past two months. On this sad occasion, I wish to send my condolences to the family of Mr. Umaña and to all Colombians who drew strength from his courage and commitment to human rights.

A distinguished lawyer, Mr. Umaña was recognised in Colombia and internationally as an advocate for the oppressed and for the victims of human rights violations. Like most human rights defenders his causes were unpopular -- guerrilla leaders, indigenous people, trade unionists and the families of the "disappeared".

Mr. Umaña's death and the deaths of others in Colombia highlight in the most tragic manner the urgency of putting into practice the principles of the draft Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. I urge the Government in Bogota and governments around the world to implement measures which enhance the security of those who fight to protect human rights.