Statement by Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to the 54th session of the Commission on Human Rights in presenting the report of the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia

Geneva, 31 March 1998

Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ten days ago I sat here and listened to the address by José Fernando Castro Caycedo - the People's Advocate of Colombia. The motto of his office is "human rights in order to live in peace". His comments painted a bleak picture - of nearly four thousand deaths due to political violence, of six million children living in poverty - one million in extreme poverty; and of continuing threats against those who fight for justice and human rights.

So far we do not have answers for these problems. However, this Commission has also heard from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Camilo Reyes Rodríguez, asking for the cooperation of the international community in addressing his country's problems and affirming his Government's full support for the work of my office in Colombia.

That office opened one year ago and thanks to the work of my colleagues there I am today able to present you with the comprehensive analytical report as requested by the 53rd Session of the Commission.

I am pleased to report that the agreement concluded between the Government and my distinguished predecessor, Mr Ayala-Lasso has now been extended on the same terms for a further year. The mandate set out in this agreement is carefully balanced and provides a solid basis for our work.

The human rights officers based in Bogotá observe and report on the human rights situation throughout the country. They take into account the climate of violence and internal armed conflict and measures by the Government to improve the situation of human rights. As well, my Office provides technical advice to the Colombian Government on developing and implementing human rights policies and programmes. The Office works closely with civil society, human rights NGOs, the media and others.

The two elements of the mandate are interlinked and complement each other. The Office could not give useful advice if it did not have a thorough understanding of what is happening in Colombia. This understanding comes through monitoring, receiving complaints of human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law and through continuous dialogue with civil society and the Colombian authorities.

As well, the Office coordinates its activities with other United Nations agencies and programmes on the ground including UNHCR and ICRC on the important issue of the internally displaced. It liaises with and assists the human rights treaty bodies and the mechanisms of the Commission.

Mr. Chairman, my Office is in Bogotá to help bring about positive change and improve the human rights situation. That situation is outlined in detail in my report and makes grim reading. The comments provided by the Government show that there is agreement on the main human rights concerns; and acknowledge the importance of my Office' work in addressing the needs of a society grievously wounded by decades of conflict.

Mr. Chairman, I attach great importance to my Office in Colombia. However, its resources are extremely limited alongside the immense and complex needs of the country. The opening of the Office has created expectations beyond our current capacity. Our means will remain modest - but we will work to improve our effectiveness. To this end, I have asked my Advisor on field operations to visit Bogotá in the coming months and may visit Colombia myself this year.

Following the renewal of the Office, we agreed with the Colombian Government on increasing the number of international human rights officers to twelve. We further agreed that the activities of the Bogotá office would be included in the monthly briefings on human rights field operations.

It is essential that I address the issue of staffing and resources for the Bogotá Office. We have made a promising start in Colombia. To build on that support will require significant additional resources to enable this Office to conform to United Nations rules on hiring personnel and to fund the additional human rights officers agreed with the Government.

I have already thanked the Government for its cooperation with my Office which has also benefited from support from many other sectors of Colombian society. I look forward to deepening those relationships. As well, I would thank those states and the European Commission which generously funded the first year's operations. I look forward to welcoming additional contributors.

Mr Chairman, -- there are those who argue that you need peace in order to have human rights. I prefer the motto of the People's Advocate - you need human rights in order to have peace. The role of my Office is to promote the rule of law and respect for all human rights. This responds to the needs of the Colombian people and is a crucial contribution to any effort to effect a just and stable peace.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.