HC Deb 14 May 2002 vol 385 cc542-3W
16. Paul Goggins

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving to efforts to renew the peace process in Colombia. [54383]

Mr. MacShane

We continue to play an active role in efforts to renew the peace process in Colombia. We condemn the violence, kidnapping and involvement in the drugs trade by all illegal groups in Colombia. We remain in close touch on this with our EU partners, the US Administration and the United Nations, together with the Colombian Government.

Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has held with British-based corporations who are involved in mineral exploration in Colombia covering the rights of local people; and if he will make a Statement.[55611]

Mr. MacShane

[holding answer 13 May 2002]: The FCO, in partnership with several leading international oil and mining companies, human rights NGOs and Corporate Social Responsibility organisations has developed a set of "Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in the Extractive Industries". Launched in December 2000, they provide guidance on how companies can best fulfil their human rights objectives in security provision in conflict-prone regions. The participating companies, in dialogue with NGOs convened by Governments, have been working to implement the Principles of the ground. The Governments have organised in-country meetings in several countries, including Colombia, to promote local implementation of the Principles by oil and mining companies.