Press release of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 

Bogotá D.C., October 29, 2008


The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, welcomes the measures announced by the Government of Colombia regarding the problem of extrajudicial executions.

The High Commissioner agrees with the statements by the highest authorities that the promotion of security must be undertaken, at all times, in accordance with relevant provisions of international law and with full respect for human rights.

The High Commissioner reiterates her recommendation in her annual report of 2007 to the Government and to the commanders of the armed forces, to insist in their efforts to eliminate extrajudicial executions, on the adoption of measures to prevent, investigate, punish and publicize those situations in which such violations may have occurred. Likewise, the High Commissioner recognizes that it is very important that these cases are investigated by civil courts and encourages the Attorney General to strengthen the Human Rights Unit in order to address, as soon as possible, all claims regarding extrajudicial executions and enforced dissapearences.