Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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353. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the increase in the assassination of human rights defenders, HRDs, in Colombia and regarding ongoing threats and intimidation against them (details supplied); and if he will call on the Colombian government to immediately implement the protection mechanisms for HRDs that are enshrined in the peace accords and in national law. [39639/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the reports of violence and the deaths of human rights defenders in Colombia to which the Deputy refers. These developments are of great concern and are being closely monitored by my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I condemn unreservedly any intimidation or violence perpetrated against human rights defenders in Colombia and elsewhere.

Officials from my department regularly meet representatives of human rights organisations which are active in Colombia and last month hosted a delegation from Peace Brigades International. This meeting discussed the worrying increase in assassinations and attempts on the lives of local leaders and human rights defenders in Colombia.

Officials from our Embassy in Mexico also regularly interact with organisations working to promote and defend human rights in Colombia. In this context Ireland has provided more than €5 million to international and local civil society organizations in Colombia since 2009, including to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Christian Aid, amongst others.

In addition, Ireland regularly raises issues relating to human rights directly in Bogotá and via the UN and European Union.

International support for the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) will be vital to ensuring the long term stability of Colombia. Ireland has pledged to contribute €3 million to the European Union Trust Fund for Colombia, which was formally established on 12 December of this year. This Fund will support the implementation of the peace agreement and Ireland has been closely involved in discussion of its governance structures and strategic direction.

In this context, Ireland has advocated a strong human rights perspective in the Fund’s strategic plan, in keeping with our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights internationally. We will continue to prioritise this issue as the agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC is implemented in the months and years ahead.