Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I am aware of and share the deep concern that has been expressed at the manner in which human rights defenders, including trade union activists have been treated in Colombia. Every death is a tragedy. Despite the Colombian Government's efforts and some progress achieved, the Colombian state institutions have not yet been able to fully address the issue of violence against human rights defenders. It is, however, important to recognise the progress that has been made, which is acknowledged in reports issued by the International Labour Organisation and various UN special rapporteurs. Colombia has made substantial changes to its legal system, including reforming the legislation regulating strikes to bring it in line with international standards. The Government has also recognised the need for greater efforts to protect vulnerable population groups, including trade unionists. Measures taken in this area include the increase of resources for official protection programmes, enhanced risk assessment capacities and the toughening of criminal sanctions for attacks on trade unionists.

At the insistence of Ireland and other member states, the EU-Colombia free trade agreement, which was concluded in May of this year, contains robust and enforceable provisions on human rights, labour standards and sustainable development. Specifically, the first article of the agreement contains a human rights clause permitting the immediate and unilateral suspension of concessions in case of human rights violations. Such provisions make the agreement a powerful instrument to further the cause of human rights in Colombia. This agreement should not be seen as an end point, but rather as a first step. The provisions for human rights and sustainable development in the agreement ensure continued EU engagement with Colombia in these areas.

I welcome the human rights commitments made by the President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, since his inauguration on 7 August. In particular, I am encouraged that the President has tasked his Vice President, Angelina Garzón, with particular responsibility for taking forward his Government's programme in this important area. I have written to Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguin Cuéllar to indicate my continuing interest in human rights dialogue with the Colombian Government. The Government will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico and in co-operation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.

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