Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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393. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the talks he has held at European Union level on the assassination of three civil society leaders in Colombia in September 2014; his views on the instability and corruption at government level in Columbia which results in that country being a dangerous one in which to be a member of a trade union; his plans to address these very serious issues of human rights in Colombia, and the resultant effects on any future trade deals, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, in empowering corporations, and corruption at government level, in Colombia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/15]

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 we have prioritised the protection of trades unionists, human rights defenders and others who are in immediate danger. I am concerned at reports of violence against civil society leaders in Colombia, including the cases to which I believe the Deputy refers, involving the murder of community leaders and victims’ rights representatives.

Human rights in Colombia, and in particular the slow pace in the decrease of impunity, 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 issues, and economic crimes. 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 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia has pointed out that an end to the longstanding armed conflict - now under negotiation between the government and the main guerrilla organisation 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. As I noted at the Foreign Affairs Council on 20 April, the peace process in Colombia is potentially one of the most significant advances in conflict resolution the region has seen and we strongly support it.

The Embassy of Ireland at Mexico City is accredited also to Bogotá. The Ambassador and diplomatic staff regularly discuss human rights issues with government interlocutors during their visits to Colombia and meet with international and local civil society organisations working on human rights issues there, including on labour and environmental rights. The Embassy oversees Irish Aid funding in Colombia, which supports civil society organisations, with a focus on the protection of human rights defenders and raising awareness of violations. In addition, Irish Aid provides funding to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, focused on their work in support of human rights in south-west Colombia.

Negotiations on the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership - an international agreement among the EU, the US and Canada - are led by my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation.