Michelle Bachelet report on violence in Colombia worries European Union

The European Union (EU) expressed its worry for the violence against human rights defenders in Colombia following the publication of a report prepared by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner, Michelle bachelet.

“The EU shares the concerns expressed in the report, in particular regarding violence against human rights defenders, former FARC combatants and social and indigenous leaders,” said the spokesperson for the High Representative of Union in a press release. Foreign Affairs, Josep borrell.

The EU said it appreciated Colombia’s progress in areas such as rural development programs or the reintegration of ex-combatants, but warned they were needed << More efforts to improve the general situation, as underlined in the United Nations report ”.

“The EU welcomes the recommendations made to promote structural changes that help improve the human rights situation and, in this sense, the full implementation of the peace agreement, to which we reiterate our long-term commitment term, “he commented.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle bacheletsaid on Friday that “the protests against the transitional justice system” in Colombia, aimed at help the country progress in peacebuilding without allowing impunity.

Introducing the periodic report drawn up by her office on the situation in Colombia, the High Commissioner added that among the most disturbing events are the initiatives of Congress aimed at abolish this mechanism of justice.

In a presentation to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Bachelet called on the authorities to do more to protect the population from violence.

The European Union highlighted the recommendations calling for “a greater integrated state presence in the territories, the adoption by the National Commission of Security Guarantees of a public policy for the dismantling of criminal organizations and the protection of labor. global system of truth, justice, reparation and non-repetition ”.

The spokesperson assured that the 27 were ready to continue working “with all actors, including the Colombian Government, civil society and the United Nations”.

The Institute for Studies for the Development of Peace in Colombia (Indepaz) reported that so far, in 2021, there were 27 social, indigenous and political leaders assassinated.

In addition, at least 259 former guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been assassinated since the signing of the peace agreement in 2016.

Source: EFE