Human Rights Council 39: UK Statement on UPR adoptions for Colombia
The UK welcomes Colombia's adoption of the three UK recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review, as well as steps taken by Colombia to tackle human trafficking and sexual-based violence.
Thank you, Mr President.
The United Kingdom welcomes Colombia’s continued engagement in the UPR process.
We welcome Colombia’s acceptance of all three of the UK’s recommendations, including the implementation of a comprehensive protection system for human rights defenders. We would like to reference our recommendation for Colombia to support human rights defenders through public statements that promote their important role. We would also encourage Colombia to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders to visit.
The UK also welcomes Colombia’s willingness to enhance victim support and investigative expertise to reduce current rates of impunity, especially in the cases of conflict-related sexual violence. We underline the importance of implementation in rural areas where access to justice is less available.
The UK recognises the efforts by the Colombian Government to implement its National Action Plan and we welcome Colombia’s agreement to increase training and capacity to identify patterns in human trafficking cases of women and children.
We are pleased to see Colombia’s voluntary pledge to continue the implementation of the historic Peace Agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC, which represents an opportunity to improve stability in the country.
Thank you, Mr President.