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04 December 2000
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4 December 2000
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson ended a visit to Colombia today with an urgent call for a comprehensive agreement among all parties on human rights and international humanitarian law.
Calling the situation in the country "extremely critical", the High Commissioner said events such as the recent massacre in La Cienaga Grande de Magdalena, in which some 46 people have been reported killed, had brought home to her the need to reinvigorate the commitment of all sides to human rights and international humanitarian law.
"This is my second visit to Colombia and, sadly, what I have learned from all those I have spoken to is that there has been a clear deterioration of the already serious situation I witnessed two years ago", Mrs. Robinson said. She added that her Office continued to receive information pointing to increased paramilitary activity, alleged persistent links between the military and armed groups, continuing threats against human rights defenders and the recruitment of children and hostage-taking by guerrilla groups.
The High Commissioner recalled that Colombia is among the countries with the highest number of internally-displaced people in the world, a direct result of the grave human rights and humanitarian law situation. Among those bearing the brunt of displacement and other abuses are indigenous people and Colombians of African descent, she continued.
The High Commissioner said she had raised her concerns with Colombian President Andres Pastrana and with senior Government officials in meetings earlier today. In those talks, she urged the Government to redouble its efforts in combatting paramilitary and other armed groups, fighting impunity for officials accused of abuses and improving protection for rights defenders and vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Robinson added that Colombian society as a whole also has the responsibility of avoiding polarization that could worsen the current crisis.
"I understand the frustration of ordinary Colombians at not seeing more progress in the search for peace and human rights, as well as the temptation to call for more radical measures", said Mrs. Robinson. "However, as we have seen in so many other places around the world, I believe the only solution lies in a negotiated settlement, and that is going to require the support of all sectors of the population".
The High Commissioner said a comprehensive accord on human rights and international humanitarian law could be a key step in the search for such a settlement. "An agreement would build confidence on all sides and demonstrate that the political will for a settlement exists" she said.
The High Commissioner said she was very proud of the work of her Office in Bogota and reiterated that she and her colleagues in Colombia stood ready to lend all their support to parties in the country in their search for a more just society.
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United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson ended a visit to Colombia today with an urgent call for a comprehensive agreement among all parties on human rights and international humanitarian law.
Calling the situation in the country "extremely critical", the High Commissioner said events such as the recent massacre in La Cienaga Grande de Magdalena, in which some 46 people have been reported killed, had brought home to her the need to reinvigorate the commitment of all sides to human rights and international humanitarian law.
"This is my second visit to Colombia and, sadly, what I have learned from all those I have spoken to is that there has been a clear deterioration of the already serious situation I witnessed two years ago", Mrs. Robinson said. She added that her Office continued to receive information pointing to increased paramilitary activity, alleged persistent links between the military and armed groups, continuing threats against human rights defenders and the recruitment of children and hostage-taking by guerrilla groups.
The High Commissioner recalled that Colombia is among the countries with the highest number of internally-displaced people in the world, a direct result of the grave human rights and humanitarian law situation. Among those bearing the brunt of displacement and other abuses are indigenous people and Colombians of African descent, she continued.
The High Commissioner said she had raised her concerns with Colombian President Andres Pastrana and with senior Government officials in meetings earlier today. In those talks, she urged the Government to redouble its efforts in combatting paramilitary and other armed groups, fighting impunity for officials accused of abuses and improving protection for rights defenders and vulnerable groups.
Mrs. Robinson added that Colombian society as a whole also has the responsibility of avoiding polarization that could worsen the current crisis.
"I understand the frustration of ordinary Colombians at not seeing more progress in the search for peace and human rights, as well as the temptation to call for more radical measures", said Mrs. Robinson. "However, as we have seen in so many other places around the world, I believe the only solution lies in a negotiated settlement, and that is going to require the support of all sectors of the population".
The High Commissioner said a comprehensive accord on human rights and international humanitarian law could be a key step in the search for such a settlement. "An agreement would build confidence on all sides and demonstrate that the political will for a settlement exists" she said.
The High Commissioner said she was very proud of the work of her Office in Bogota and reiterated that she and her colleagues in Colombia stood ready to lend all their support to parties in the country in their search for a more just society.
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