Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that we continue to raise human rights issues in relation to matters in Colombia in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and human rights defenders. It is one of our core foreign policy objectives. We condemn unreservedly all attacks and threats against human rights defenders, wherever they take place.

Human rights are also a priority for the European Union and all its member states. The issues were addressed in detail in the context of EU-Colombia human rights dialogue. Through that mechanism, the Union engages with the relevant and appropriate Colombian authorities in a structured manner across a full range of human rights issues, including human rights defenders, trade unionists, land restitution and economic and environmental issues. It is our firm belief that this ongoing, regular, structured policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny is the best way to promote an atmosphere of human rights in Colombia.

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