Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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168. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the killing of the farmers' leader (details supplied) on 5 March 2015 in El Castillo, Meta, Colombia; his further views on the Colombian army's counter-insurgent campaign in the Meta region, and the jailing of 39 farmers' leaders from the region, including the leader of the National Association of Peasant Reserve Zones (details supplied); if he will report on any discussions and representations made with the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/15]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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169. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of actions taken against farmers and trade unionists by the Colombian armed forces, if his Department has discussed the human rights situation in Colombia with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy or her officials, or if his Department has raised it at a European Council level; his views that it has implications for the free trade agreement between the European Union and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/15]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the sugar cane cutters' strike in Risaralda, Colombia and the force used against those striking workers by military and police, which resulted in serious injury to striking workers; if he will report on any discussions with and representations made to the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15038/15]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on a land dispute between indigenous communities and a sugar cane landowner in the north of Cauca, Colombia, which saw the Colombian state forces intervene with tanks against the indigenous community, and has left over 50 wounded and two dead; if he will report on any discussions with and representations made to the Colombian Government or its ambassador on these matters; his views that the human rights issues in Colombia will have implications for relations between Ireland and Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 to 171, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the incidents referred to by the Deputy even if, as is often the case in these matters, it has not proved possible to establish the full facts in every instance. As the Deputy is aware, there are serious grounds for concern regarding the human rights situation in Colombia, including in the context of labour disputes, land rights, and the ongoing state of armed conflict in that country.

Our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Bogota on a non-residential basis, is in regular contact on human rights issues with the Colombian authorities, with civil society, and with the EU delegation there.

The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy and we have prioritised the protection of trade unionists, human rights defenders, and others who are in immediate danger. Ireland engages on human rights issues with the Colombian Government in our direct contacts with them, by means of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue, and through United Nations processes. Human rights are also an essential part of the EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru which, in addition, contains important provisions in the area of labour rights and protection of the environment.

As the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia has pointed out, an end to the longstanding armed conflict - now under negotiation between the government and the guerrillas in the context of the peace talks in Havana - has the potential to transform Colombia in terms of its level of respect for and enjoyment of human rights. In so far as the role of the Colombian Government is concerned, I continue to believe that our policy of engagement and dialogue is the best means for advancing human rights.