§ 23. Paul GogginsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to support the peace process in Colombia. [39586]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe UK strongly support the Colombian peace process, as I made clear in a press release on 23 January. We are particularly active in the EU. We have invited the Colombian presidential candidates to the UK to exchange views on the situation in Colombia, including prospects for the peace process.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will use the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights to promote human rights in Colombia, with special reference to(a) the safety of human rights defenders and (b) groups at particular risk; [41619]
(2) if he will take steps to ensure that this year's UN Commission on Human Rights adopts a resolution calling for the Colombian Government to implement fully the recommendations made by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights in Bogota. [41620]
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§ Mr. MacShaneWe are currently discussing preparations for the forthcoming session of the UN Commission on Human Rights with EU partners. We will be contributing fully to a range of EU initiatives, including a chairman's statement on the situation in Colombia. Our concerns about human rights violations in Colombia, and especially the threats to vulnerable communities, trade unionists and human rights defenders, will be reflected in this statement.