Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a group (details supplied); and if he will raise the recent massacre of 46 young men in the North-east of Colombia with the Colombia authorities and at the U.C.. [35264/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, Grupo Raíces is a group of Latin American and Irish citizens concerned about the situation in Colombia. In relation to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Irish government supports both the Colombian government and civil society groups in their efforts to support the peace process in Colombia.

Irish Aid currently funds local NGOs working to protect children's rights and human rights in Colombia. In 2008, Irish Aid has already provided a total of €1,122,713 to Trócaire and Christian Aid for projects in Colombia. Irish Aid also funds Irish Missionaries in Colombia through the Irish Missionary Resource Service.

I am keenly aware of the very serious issue of civilian deaths attributed to the security forces in Colombia, including the killings referred to in the Deputy's question. This matter is the subject of ongoing action at EU and UN level. The February 2008 annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) on the situation of human rights in Colombia states that the UNHCHR's office in Colombia continues to receive reports of extrajudicial killings attributed to the security forces. Under its current mandate, the focus of the UNHCHR's office in Colombia is the fight against impunity, including advice and training on prevention and investigation of incidents of torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, illegal detentions and sexual violence.

In relation to action at EU level, as the Deputy will be aware, the EU has expressed its support for the Colombian Government in its efforts to ensure the rule of law, legality, security of persons and human rights. The EU has also condemned systematic breaches of the most fundamental human rights, including the right to life and to liberty, in Colombia.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council of the European Union most recently adopted Conclusions on Colombia on 19 November 2007. Ireland was actively involved in the negotiation of these Conclusions. The Council encouraged the Colombian government's determination to improve the armed forces' respect for human rights and welcomed the progress which has been made in this respect. However, the Council noted with real concern the persisting problem of human rights violations by some members of the security forces, including extra-judicial killings.

My Department continues to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.