Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations and it is good see Ms. Mariela Kohon again. This discussion is very timely. I was struck by what Ms Kohon said about sectors being afraid of the truth. We debated a Bill here last night that would see increased information being given from this State to Northern Ireland regarding the Good Friday Agreement peace process etc. There is no doubt there are people who are afraid of the truth and afraid to accept what goes on. We are seeing here what the witnesses are reporting on in Colombia. This discussion is also timely as Christian Aid published a report this morning on the issue of illicit drugs in Colombia, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The witnesses said there are progressive elements in the peace process to deal with this but progress is not been made. What is needed to get that moving?

I acknowledge that our ambassador comes in and gives us updates on the implementation of the peace process, and acknowledges the areas where the process is very slow and the areas where the process is continuing. Mr. Callinan mentioned his visit to Colombia and it is good he has access to many institutions and agencies when he was there. In spite of the negatives and the grim situation the witnesses paint, are they sensing there is a desire to implement the peace process? Where are the obstacles to that? They might refer to the role of the paramilitary groups and those who have not come into the process.

We know how difficult it is for a country to come out of a conflict situation where there has been massive loss of life and the effects this has. I can see the conflict in that context as well but there have been attacks, murders and the massacre of trade unionists and civil society leaders. Why do the witnesses think there is not enough protection of those groups? Who is stopping that protection? Why are so many murders allowed to happen? Obviously, these leaders in their communities are known, so why is there not a protection regime for those people?

It was good to hear from Ms Kohon that the Colombians remain committed to the peace process. In terms of the role of the international community, it is good we have an ambassador and that she is getting to make visits there. She was here recently and we met her and heard what is going on. If there was one thing the witnesses would change to bring about a drive for a just peace, what would that be?