§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to ensure that basic human rights in Colombia are observed; if he will make it his policy to support the call for an International Labour Organisation Commission of Inquiry into Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [132081]
§ Mr. RammellThe London Meeting on International Support for Colombia in July impressed upon the Colombian Government the importance of human rights. This was reflected in the London Declaration issued after the Meeting. I reaffirmed our position when I met the Colombian Foreign Minister in the margins of the UN General Assembly in September. I made clear that implementation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' recommendations on Colombia must be a prime concern in the Colombian Government's pursuit of security and stability in Colombia. Representatives in Bogota of the donor countries who attended the London Meeting will monitor progress.
The UK Government believe that improving workers' rights in Colombia is best achieved through a supportive approach. It considers the International Labour Organisation's Special Technical Cooperation Programme for Colombia an effective way of bringing about change. We do not think an ILO Commission of Inquiry at this stage would contribute to the Technical Co-operation process. We continue to monitor progress on the Programme, and will continue to discuss with the Colombian Government how best the international community can help improve workers' rights and the situation trade unionists face.