Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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518. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will campaign for a meaningful annual review of the human rights situation in Columbia at the United Nations and with the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18180/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The promotion and protection of human rights is a core principle of Ireland's foreign policy and human rights issues in Colombia are a focus for Ireland and for the European Union.Human rights are addressed in detail in the context of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue. Through this mechanism, which addresses the issues directly with the Colombian authorities and includes input from civil society groups, the EU and member states engage in a structured manner across the full range of human rights concerns, including as regards human rights defenders and the slow pace in the decrease of impunity. The Human Rights Dialogue is an important forum in which the EU engages constructively with the Colombian authorities, makes suggestions on how difficulties can be addressed, and shares experience with its Colombian counterparts. During the last session of the Human Rights Dialogue, in October 2014, issues such as the land restitution process, the situation of human rights defenders and the challenges facing protection schemes were addressed. In addition, the EU and its member states support both national authorities and civil society organisations working with the protection of human rights defenders. I believe that this policy of engagement, dialogue and scrutiny, which is ongoing, regular and structured, is the best way to promote human rights in Colombia.

Our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Bogotá 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.

With regards to the United Nations, the Universal Periodic Review is a unique mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council whereby the domestic human rights records of all 193 UN member states are peer-reviewed on a regular basis. Colombia’s most recent review took place on 23 April last year. In the course of the review, Ireland made specific recommendations on Colombia’s National Protection Programme for human rights defenders, referring particularly to the difficulties faced by trade unionists and journalists. In addition, Ireland urged Colombia to address high levels of impunity and the lack of access to justice for victims of gender-based violence.

The UN High Commission for Human Rights is actively involved in Colombia and Ireland supports their operations there. I agree with the view expressed in the High Commissioner’s report 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 will continue to encourage and support a successful outcome to these negotiations.