§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Colombian Government regarding human rights issues, with particular reference to(a) press, (b) trade union and (c) religious freedoms. [155352].
§ Mr. RammellBoth I and our Embassy in Bogota have regular discussions with the Colombian government, and also with NGOs and trades unions, about human rights issues. We frequently raise specific cases with the Colombian government. The Colombian Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, the right to establish and participate in trades unions and religious choice. We continue to urge the Colombian Government to bring the perpetrators of human rights crimes swiftly to justice and to take effective measures to protect all vulnerable groups at risk from illegal armed groups in Colombia. We have underlined the importance of the Colombian government implementing the specific recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent arrests of church leaders in Colombia. [155353].
§ Mr. MullinNeither our Embassy nor the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bogota is aware of recent arrests of Church leaders in Colombia. If additional information can be provided we would be willing to investigate further.