Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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34. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continued targeting of human rights and labour activists in Columbia resulting in hundreds of murders. [10307/20]

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent influx of US special forces into Columbia; his views on whether this will only ratchet tensions in a fragile peace higher, while also having a further destabilising impact on the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10308/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 35 together.

I am aware of the worrying levels of insecurity and violence against human rights defenders and social leaders in Colombia, and across the wider region. The potential for COVID-19 to worsen an already grave situation is also of concern, as the pandemic may inhibit peacebuilding efforts and may lead to increased violence against human rights defenders.

I have strongly and wholeheartedly condemned the use of any violence, threats or intimidation against those defending their rights and the rights and fundamental freedoms of others on numerous occasions. I once again call on the relevant authorities to fully investigate these crimes and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Colombia has made great progress in strengthening peace and stability in recent years, following signature of the peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP group in November 2016, ending over 50 years of armed conflict. It is clear, however, that significant challenges remain in a number of areas, including rural reform, the reintegration of former combatants, human rights and the strengthening of protections for human rights defenders and social leaders.

I firmly believe that an improved human rights situation in the country is linked to the full implementation of the peace accords. Ireland is a longstanding and committed supporter of the peace process in Colombia, having contributed over €14 million in funding since 2007, mainly channelled through the United Nations, and Colombian and international NGOs focusing on human rights, conflict prevention, peace-building and supporting livelihoods for rural populations.

As well as financial support, Ireland has also provided ongoing support in the form of lesson-sharing based on our own experience of peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland. We also participate in the EU’s ongoing campaign to recognise and champion the work of human rights defenders in the country.

I have reiterated Ireland's support for the peace process in recent engagements with the Colombian Government, including a meeting with then Minister for Foreign Affairs Carlos Holmes Trujillo during his visit to Dublin last year, and in my contacts with his successor, Minister Claudia Blum.

Our Embassy in Bogotá has been engaging with civil society, EU and UN partners on the human rights situation in the country since it opened last year. We also regularly raise this issue and the status of the peace process in our exchanges with the Colombian Government.

The Colombian Government continues to affirm its commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreement, and has expressed its appreciation for Ireland's support in this area, as well as the important role played by former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore as EU Special Envoy to the Colombian peace process.

Last year, Mr Gilmore led the 11th session of the EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue, raising the high levels of attacks and murders of human rights defenders, and the need for collective protection measures.

Officials in my Department in Dublin and at our Embassy in Bogotá will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Colombia, as Ireland continues to support Colombia in its transition to a stable, peaceful, post-conflict society.