Pronunciamiento de Louise Arbour, Alta Comisionada de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos durante la presentación de su Informe sobre Colombia correspondiente al año 2006

High Commissioner for Human Rights' Speech on the presentation of her last annual report about the Human Rights situation in Colombia, 2006

Ginebra, Suiza, marzo 2007
 
"Turning to Colombia, let me point out that the human rights situation remains critical in several regions of that country. The persistence of the armed conflict and consequent violence, and the impact of drug trafficking and organized crime continue to affect the enjoyment of all human rights.  Human rights defenders, including trade unionists and social leaders, indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, displaced persons, women, children and journalists, are among the most affected.  Illegal armed groups are responsible for serious and systematic breaches of international humanitarian law, while guerrillas persist in taking hostages, and continue to hold captive a significant number of persons.   

I welcome the announcement by the President of Colombia of his agreement on the continuation of OHCHR’s mandate in the country.  I also welcome the significant steps taken by the judiciary to investigate crimes committed by paramilitary groups, including their links with public servants, as well as efforts to achieve reparation for victims of human rights violations.  It is crucial to put an end to extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and to ensure that demobilized paramilitary groups do not rearm.  I call on the authorities in the strongest terms to protect human rights defenders and victims who have been targeted and threatened for demanding justice."