§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to ensure that the Colombian Government conducts a full investigation into human rights violations in Colombian cities; and if he will make a statement. [29227]
§ Mr. MacShaneWe are very concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation in Colombia. I had comprehensive discussions with the Colombian Government about human rights, including allegations of human rights violations in the town of Barrancabermeja, during my visit to Colombia last October. Last year, HM ambassador to Colombia and other embassy staff visited Medellin, Cali and other major cities and towns where they met and expressed support for peace activists and human rights NGOs, and raised our concerns with the Colombian authorities. We strongly support the work of the Colombian human rights ombudsman, who I met last October, who regularly publishes reports into human rights violations.