Derek Nolan (Galway West, Labour)
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162. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the context of the upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Colombia in the Human Rights Council, if he intends to press the Colombian Government on the security and protection of human rights defenders and trade union workers operating in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland’s foreign policy. In line with our priorities in this area, Ireland raises concerns and makes recommendations to States under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, including on the issue of human rights defenders and threats against civil society around the world. We will also continue to engage with Colombia in the context of our bilateral contacts. I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet with Colombia’s President Santos and Foreign Minister Holguín last January on the margins of the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean countries) Summit in Chile. We discussed a range of issues including my concerns regarding the situation of trade unionists and human rights defenders in Colombia. President Santos assured me that this is also an issue of priority for his Government and he briefed me on his Government’s efforts in this regard. Guided by our over-arching commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, Ireland continues to work closely with our EU partners to support positive developments in Colombia and to promote the progressive improvement of human rights standards.