Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to an organisation (details supplied) 51 social leaders, activists and human rights defenders have been assassinated to date in 2017 in Colombia and this list has been verified against statistics from a human rights think tank (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that a union (details supplied) has denounced threats made to a person (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that after the killing of two members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and six of their relatives in April 2017 threats and assassinations against the FARC are not ceasing; and his views on the safety of human rights defenders and the peace process in Colombia. [25635/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The level of threats and attacks against human rights defenders in Colombia to date this year, as well as against members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is a matter of great concern. The situation is being closely monitored by officials in my Department and by the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Colombia. I reiterate that I unreservedly condemn any intimidation, violence, or discrimination perpetrated against those seeking to defend their rights, whether in Colombia or elsewhere.

I firmly believe that the Colombian peace process, which aims to create a virtuous circle between peacebuilding and respect for human rights, provides the framework in which the endemic violence and impunity which has afflicted Colombian society can successfully be addressed. However, we know from our own experience in Ireland that peace processes are complex, challenging and can suffer unexpected setbacks. Officials from my Department regularly engage with human rights defenders and civil society leaders active in Colombia, including those involved in the energy and mining sector. In November 2016 and March 2017, they hosted delegations from Peace Brigades International to discuss the worrying increase in violence against local leaders and human rights activists in Colombia to which the Deputy refers. Furthermore, officials from our Embassy in Mexico regularly interact with organisations working to promote and defend human rights in Colombia.

As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is a founder member and one of the largest contributors to the EU Trust Fund for Colombia. We have committed to providing €3 million in funding over the lifetime of the Fund, which aims to support the implementation of the peace agreement. In keeping with Ireland’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights internationally, we have advocated a strong human rights perspective for the Fund in discussions regarding its strategic direction.

In addition, 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. Ireland regularly raises issues relating to human rights directly in Bogotá and via the UN and European Union. We will continue to prioritise such issues as the agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC is implemented in the months and years ahead.