Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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204. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussions with European Union counterparts on human rights and workers' rights issues in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15279/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Colombia, including human rights, workers’ rights, the ongoing peace process and the European Union's relations with Colombia, have been discussed regularly at EU level. The Foreign Affairs Council meeting that took place in Luxembourg yesterday addressed the subject of Colombia with particular emphasis on how the EU might assist.

Human rights in Colombia are a major concern for the EU and for Ireland and are addressed in detail in the context of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. Through this mechanism, which addresses the subject directly with the Colombian authorities at official level, the Union engages in a structured manner across the full range of human rights issues, including as regards human rights defenders and trade unionists, land restitution, environmental and economic crimes, and the slow pace in the decrease of impunity. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights and the interests of labour in Colombia.

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. I agree with the view of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that an end to the longstanding armed conflict - now under negotiation between the government and the guerrillas - has the potential to transform Colombia in terms of its level of respect for and enjoyment of human rights. Ireland and the EU will continue to engage with Colombia to assist in securing a lasting peace in the 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. Ireland will continue, together with our EU Partners, to engage with the Colombian government and civil society, to promote and protect human rights.