Human Rights in Colombia
Experiences, Advancements,
and Challenges
Republic of Colombia
Republic of Colombia
What is the UPR?
Republic of Colombia
↘ It is a review procedure for all countries.
↘ It is periodic
↘ It promotes the participation of civil society in its preparation and evaluation
↘ It is broad and exhaustive
↘ It is a cooperative and interactive mechanism
↘ It is a procedure under development, open to improvement
Colombia: Voluntary Review
Preparation and Results
Republic of Colombia
• In preparation for the UPR, Colombia set up an inter-institutional committee
mandated to consult with state institutions, as well as with civil society, to prepare
the preliminary draft of the report, and to provide the input required for the
interactive dialogue before the Working Group.
• Consultation was carried out through:
↘ Meetings and workshops with state institutions, including the Judiciary
↘ Consultations with the Organs of Control (Procurator General, Controller General,
Ombudsman)
↘ Invitations were extended to civil society organizations
↘ Interviews with the Representative of the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner
↘ Electronic consultation through the Presidential Program for Human Rights website.
Specific email account open to receive comments and suggestions from all interested
The Benefits of the Exercise
Republic of Colombia
↘ The State engaged in a process of self-reflection.
↘ Government policies and actions, as well as difficulties and challenges were
recognized and made explicit before the public opinion and the international
community.
↘ A highly valuable process of inter-institutional coordination was fostered.
↘ More than a “Government Exam” it was a “State Review,” in which the Organs of
Control and the Judiciary participated actively.
↘ Participation was promoted at the National and Local levels.
↘ A sector approach was undertaken throughout the consultation process.
“The UPR recommendations and commitments have become a roadmap to
guide further actions and efforts in the field of Human Rights”
The Results of the Exercise
Republic of Colombia
↘ Colombia presented its written report on September 1, 2008.
↘ In attending Colombia’s voluntary submission, the country’s review was slotted for the third
session of the Human Rights Council Working Group on December 10, 2008
↘ 43 country delegations actively participated through questions, comments and
recommendations
↘ The Human Rights Council approved Colombia’s Outcome Document on March 20, 2009
↘ The State made 69 voluntary commitments
↘ The State received 75 recommendations, did not accept 8, and deferred 2
↘ By March 2009, the Government had delivered direct responses to all States that intervened
during the Working Group discussions, related to their specific concerns.
↘ Last December, on a one by one basis, the Colombian Government provided further
information related to new developments in accordance to the concerns raised by
participating States.
Implementation and Follow-up
Republic of Colombia
•
Colombia has established a follow-up mechanism led by a PERMANENT WORKING
GROUP including delegates from the Presidential Human Rights Program, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior and of Justice.
•
The voluntary commitments and recommendations accepted have been organized in a
matrix divided in six chapters:
↘ International Cooperation
↘ National Action Plan for Human Rights and IHL
↘ Civil and Political Rights
↘ Justice and the Fight against Impunity
↘ Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
↘ Vulnerable Population Groups
Updated reports on this matrix are available at:
www.derechoshumanos.gov.co
Republic of Colombia
365 days of advancements and challenges
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Homicide
35,000
30,000
28,837
23,523
25,000
20,210
18,111
20,000
17,479
17,198
16,140
15,817
2008
2009
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2002
2003
Source: Ministry of Defense
2004
2005
2006
2007
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Kidnapping
3,500
3,000
2,882
2,500
2,121
2,000
1,440
1,500
1,000
800
687
521
500
437
213
0
2002
2003
Source: Ministry of Defense
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Victims of Massacres
800
700
Republic of Colombia
680
600
504
500
400
263
300
252
193
200
169
128
147
100
0
2002
2003
Source: Ministry of Defense
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Terrorist Acts
1,800
1,600
1,645
1,400
1,258
1,200
1,000
800
724
612
646
600
484
486
387
400
200
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Displacement
500,000
450,000
437,967
400,000
329,275
350,000
300,000
266,814
247,421
250,000
303,112
284,545
230,021
200,000
150,000
114,602
100,000
50,000
0
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Fight against criminal gangs
• These groups are “armed factions, closely connected to illegal economies […], barren of any
political motivation, and without counterinsurgent connotations.” (MAPP/OAS)
• The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Colombia in its 2008 Report stated
that said groups “are far from being structured as military-type organizations and do not appear to
exclusively exercise territorial control. In addition, in many places, they are not able to act in a
coordinated, sustained, and concerted manner.” (paragraph 44).
Advance
January – November 2009
Arrests
2,400
(1,888 arrests made by the National Police)
Assets Confiscated
112
(appraised at 22.5 million USD)
Source: Ministry of Defense
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Demobilization Policy
Demobilization Policy
2009
Individual Demobilizations
2,638
Persons attended by the High Commissioner
for Peace and Reintegration
33,338*
Schooling
25,101*
Job Training
10,819**
Source: High Council for Reintegration, National Ministry of Defense
*Data as to September 2009
** Data as to November 2009
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Extra Judicial Executions
• Visit by the Special Rapporteur on Extra Judicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions,
Philip Alston (June 8 - 18, 2009)
• Advancements in the implementation of the 15 measures adopted (November
2008) by the Armed Forces General Command (Permanent Directive No. 208):
↘ The Modelo Único Pedagógico, a single model referring to education on Human Rights
and IHL was strengthened
↘ The first Joint Manual for Operational Law was prepared (December, 2009)
↘ Stricter controls have been developed for the reward system and confidential expenses,
now directly by the office of the Controller General
↘ Staff has been increased in terms of Operational Legal Advisors
↘ Rules of Engagement were issued for the Armed Forces (May 2009)
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Extra Judicial Executions
Accountability: Seven live TV sessions have taken place with the participation
of the President in order to receive public denunciations on Human Rights
abuses presumably related to Extra Judicial Executions. Complaints by
individual citizens, through the HR offices in military and police units, as well as
through toll-free telephone numbers, are attended in each session.
Effective Captures and Prosecutions. Close to
130 members of the armed forces and police have
been convicted. More than 300 are currently in
Court, and at least another 800 have been
indicted.
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Extra Judicial Executions
“Reviewing and updating our database on Human Rights and Political Violence we
find a significant decrease in number of cases and victims during the first semester
of 2009 in comparison with 2008, going from 106 cases and 197 victims to 2 cases
and 4 victims. (…)
The Decrease in ‘False Positives’ is explained by the following factors: (…) The 15
measures formulated and adopted in November 2008 by the National Ministry of
Defense after the acknowledgement of civilian executions by members of the
armed forces and the involvement of social and political sectors in this matter, in
addition to the visibility of the issue in the media.”
Source: Center for Popular Research and Education, “Informe Especial: Primer Semestre of 2009: De los ‘Falsos Positivos’ a la Intolerancia
Social y las Amenazas Colectivas” (Special Report: First Semester 2009: From ‘False Positives’ to Social Intolerance and Collective
Threats) Pg. 5 and 13, at: http://www.cinep.org.co/node/758
1.
Fight against violence
Addressing protection
Republic of Colombia
Enforced Disappearance
•
The Convention on Enforced Disappearance was presented before Congress during
2009 and is currently undergoing the ratification process.
•
Public Policy to Search for Disappeared Persons. On June 1, 2009, CONPES document
3590 “Consolidation of Mechanisms to Search for and Identify Disappeared Persons in
Colombia” was approved.
January-October
January-October
Bodies exhumed
2.388
Attention to family members
of disappeared persons
11,023 persons
Bodies identified
through the Unified
Virtual Identification
Center
956
DNA sample for genetic
testing
8,043 (August)
2. Fight against Impunity and
Access to the Justice System
Republic of Colombia
Justice and Peace Law
Significant budgetary efforts have been made to strengthen the Office of
the Prosecutor General and progress has been achieved in application of
the Justice and Peace Law.
There remain major challenges to be overcome in what relates to effective
convictions, as well as in the area of reparations to victims.
2. Fight against Impunity and
Access to the Justice System
Republic of Colombia
Justice and Peace Law
Developments
Number
Total of events where
confessions have concluded
17.262
Total of events where
confessions are in progress
35.664
Victims Participating in free
version sessions
34.445
Compensation Payments
through administrative
reparation
26.375
Free versions before
courts
Number
Concluded
1.231
Confessions
Victims
Victims related to events
with undergoing
confessions
50.442
Victims related to events
with concluded confessions
18.774
Source: General Attorney´s Office and the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation
2. Fight against Impunity and
Access to the Justice System
Republic of Colombia
Justice and Peace Law
•
Restitution of Land. Four Regional Commissions for the Restitution of Assets have been
installed.
•
Historical Memory. The Comission for National Reparation and Reconciliation presented its
Report on the El Salado Massacre: “That War was Not Ours.”
•
Approval of the Victims’ Law will be a challenge. During 2009, Congress discussed the
bill “To decree measures for protection of the victims of violence,” which would establish
additional provisions for victims’ reparation. Despite efforts to reach an agreement between
the Government’s and various parties in Congress, a majority could not be reached, and the
bill was not passed.
•
Main controversial points of the Victims’ Law:
– Reparation to victims of state agents after the crime has been proven through a judicial
process
– Financial viability
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Indigenous Communities
•
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Unilateral recognition of the spirit and principle of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples expressed at the Durban Review Conference
•
Visit by the Special Reporters. By invitation of the Government, James Anaya visited Colombia from
July 22 - 27, 2009.
•
Reactivation of Indigenous Consultation Mechanisms. The Government has given priority to
strengthening areas for dialogue with indigenous communities:
↘ The permanent round table for consensus
↘ The Amazon table
↘ The National Human Rights Committee

The Government has given the highest priority to the cases of homicides and massacres of indigenous
people that took place in 2009 and believes this phenomenon presents one of the greatest
challenges in the area of human rights. 97 cases were reported.

On August 26, 2009 on the Gran Rosario reservation, twelve (12) members of the Awá people were
killed, including five minors. The authorities have captured four of the perpetrators of this massacre.
3. Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Afro descendant Population
•
The international year on Afro-descendants. By initiative of the Colombian Government, the
United Nations General Assembly approved a Resolution proclaiming 2011 as the international
year of Afro-descendants.
•
Inter-sectorial Commission for the Advancement of Afro-Colombians. The Commission
delivered its recommendations to the National Government in May, 2009. They will be reflected in
the design of public policies and in the presentation of a bill to further access to all levels of public
administration and higher education.
•
Afro-Colombian Leadership Training Program. A joint program has been established between
the National Ministry of Education, the Fulbright Foundation, and USAID to offer scholarships for
post-graduate studies to Afro-descendant Colombians. Its current resources total US $4.5 million.
•
Special Procedures. In August 2009, Colombia reported before the Committee for the
Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination Recommendations provided by the Committee
were welcomed by the Government and will be useful in the strengthening of national policies. UN
Independent Expert on Minority Issues, Gay Mac Dougall , visited Colombia in January, 2010 and
carried out an extensive, two week working schedule.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Women’s rights
•
Initiatives at the Multilateral Level. Colombia, together with New Zealand, promoted the adoption of
Resolution 11/8 on “Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity and Human Rights” in the 11th
Session of the Human Rights Council. In the 12th Session of the Human Rights Council, Colombia and
Mexico promoted the adoption of Resolution 12/17 for the “Elimination of Discrimination against
Women.” The Resolution on Economic Empowerment of Women promoted by Colombia before the
Third Committee was also adopted by consensus in March, 2010.

Raising awareness on violence against women. On December 4, 2008, Congress approved Law 1257
for raising awareness, preventing, and penalizing forms of violence and discrimination.

Permanent Circular from the Ministry of Defense. In May 2009, the Ministry of Defense issued
Permanent Circular No. 630134, “Command Policies for Observance of and Respect for Women’s Human
Rights.”
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Internally Displaced Persons
•
Registration. Better training has improved the registration process by Government institutions
prioritizing those municipalities where the highest levels of displacement have been reported.
•
Resolution 04425 of July 3, 2009 regulates information exchange between the institutions that are a
part of the National System for Integrated Attention to Displaced Persons.
•
Reduction of extreme poverty for displaced persons. Though the Policy for Integrated Attention
to Displaced Persons, actions have been put into place to increase the productive potential of people
in a situation of extreme poverty and displacement. (CONPES Document No. 3616)
•
Taking internally displaced persons home. From 2002 to 2009, accompaniment has been
provided for return of 37,086 families, according to plans agreed upon with affected communities.
The objective in 2010 is to continue advancing in the return of families to 28 municipalities where
security conditions have been fully restored.
•
Differentiated Approach. Specific actions are undertaken in accordance to the Rulings of the
Constitutional Court (Women and Children, 2008; Indigenous people and Afro-Colombians: 004 and
005 of 2009; Disabled persons: 006 of 2009).
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Children
•
Children in armed conflicts. In December, 2008, Colombia voluntarily accepted the
implementation of the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism contained in UN Security
Council Resolution 1612 (2005) .
•
Some highlights from the first report (October, 2009) issued by the Secretary General
in application of the Mechanism are:
 The recognition of the National Government’s efforts to prevent violations of
children’s rights.
 The government’s advances in recognition of the problem, in the definition of
policies and strategies to prevent the phenomenon, and in the mobilization of
society to reject violence against children.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Children
•
Free education. As of October 2009, resources transferred to schools to subsidize educational costs for
vulnerable groups have provided benefits for 5,230,446 children (the goal established for 2009 was
4,670,000 beneficiaries). In September 2009, an expansion in the policy of providing free primary
education in the city of Bogotá was approved. In the year 2010, 737,000 students will attend primary
school for free.
•
Families in Action. The program’s goal is to provide coverage for 3,000,000 families by the end of the
year 2010. As of October 2009, 2,601,148 families had benefited.
•
Child Nutrition. As of October 2009, the School Breakfast Program has benefitted 1,311,333 minors.
•
Immunization. The national government incorporated vaccinations against diseases such as Rotavirus
and Pneumonia into the Ministry of Social Protection’s Vaccination Program. Immunization coverage went
from 7 vaccinations to prevent 11 diseases to 9 vaccinations to prevent 14 diseases.
•
Harsher sentences. In July 2009, the President sanctioned a Law based on popular initiative to permit
life imprisonment for those who commit homicide, sexual exploitation, personal injury, or kidnapping
against minors. The bill is currently under study by the Constitutional Court.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Human Rights Defenders
• International Commitments. The Special Rapporteur on the situation
of Human Rights Defenders visited Colombia from September 7 to 18,
2009.
•Recognition of defenders’ work. On September 17, 2009, the
President declared that the defense of Human Rights is a “necessary
and legitimate action in a democracy.” This was in addition to previous
declarations made by the Vice President of the Minister of the Interior
and of Justice.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Human Rights Defenders
•Promotion of dialogue. On April 30, 2009, the national government created, in
agreement with civil society, a “National Table for Guarantees for the Exercise of the
Defense of Human Rights.” This scenario is aimed to generating confidence building
measures, and moving ahead on commitments made. It was agreed that 14 regional
tables would be set up. Of these, 11 regional round tables have been established.
•Guarantees for defenders. On April 30, the Minister of the Interior and of Justice
publicly rejected all threats, attacks, and information thefts denounced by civil society.
He exhorted the security institutions to protect defenders and the Prosecutor General to
undertake prompt investigations and effective results on these matters.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Human Rights Defenders - Challenges
Measures regarding accusations of alleged illegal activities against Human Rights
Defenders:
•Investigations
↘ DAS requested an elite investigative group from the Judiciary and Organs of Control
to take up the Investigations.
↘ DAS facilitated 104 records presumed to contain illegally obtained information on
phone taps.
↘Elite investigation group at the Office of the Prosecutor General
↘16 investigations are being undertaken by the Procurator General on current and
former staff members. The Prosecutor is investigating 31 staff members. 8 are in
prison.
•Accountability. Meetings have taken place between the DAS and Congress, the High
Courts, international communitiy, and civil society.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Human Rights Defenders - Challenges
•Intelligence Law. Approved by Congress on March 5, 2009, this law prohibits
the gathering, processing, or dissemination of intelligence information based on
gender, race, national or family origin, language, religion, political or
philosophical opinions, or belonging to a union, social, HR organization or a
political party.
•Decree 3600. Issued in September, 2009, includes a provision to permit
accompaniment by the international community (including the UNHCHR) for
purging files.
•Closing the DAS. A bill was presented before Congress in order to allow the
Government to close down the DAS and create a new civilian intelligence
agency. Discussion of this bill is expected to take place in the legislation that
became installed last March 16th.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
•Commitment to ILO. Colombia has an above-average record for the ratification of ILO
conventions and very few differences of legislation remain between the internal law and
conventional provisions. 60 conventions have been ratified, among which are those
regarding fundamental rights.
•Accountability. In June 2009, Colombia presented itself before the ILO Standards
Commission.
•Harsher sentences. Law 1309 of 2009 increased the penalty for homicide of union
leaders and workers and made prescription equal to those established for crimes such as
genocide, forced disappearances, torture, and forced displacement.
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
Follow up of the conclusions of the Standards Commission. The Government invited
the International Labor Standards Director to visit the country in October, 2009. Her visit
provided for a fruitful exchange and increasing commitments on
↘ Further strengthening the fight against impunity
↘ Sustainability of the Protection Program
↘Strengthening social dialogue scenarios – Confidence Building
↘Seek consensus on criteria to gather information on violence against trade the
union movement
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
• For the second consecutive year, in 2010 Colombia was acknowledged as a Case in
Progress in the report by the ILO Commission of Experts on the Application of
Conventions and Recommendations for Conventions 87, 98, and 151.
• The ILO Commission found that violence against trade unionists has declined in
Colombia, and described new legislative provisions designed at harshening penalties for
perpetrators as "satisfactory”.
•The report highlights the adoption of regulations contained in Law 1210 by which the
Ministry of Social Protection is no longer the competent authority to determine the legality
of a strike. The new Lay determines this decision lies under the regular labor justice
system.
• Efforts by the national government to compensate the victims of violence through Decree
1290, on individual redress through official channels were also recognized by the
Commission..
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
Academic debate and research.
• An independent study carried out by Proffessor Daniel Mejía at the Universidad de los Andes (“Is
Violence Against Union Members in Colombia Systematic and Targeted?”) provides substantial
evidence that violence against union leaders and members has steadily declined over the last seven
years.
•In coordination with UNDP, eight countries, through their embassies presence in Colombia (Canada,
Spain, the United States, France, Norway, UK, the Netherlands and Sweden) have financed
reaserch by five civil society organizations and independent think tanks with an aim to improve
knowledge on violence against trade union leaders and members in Colombia. This initiative also
aims to contribute to enhance dialogue between actors and offer recommendations on how to tackle
challenges. The Government has agreed to the initiative from the very beginning, has actively
participated in discussions and awaits its outcome .
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
Union Affiliation
2002- 2009
1,600,000.00
1,503,629.00
1,400,000.00
1,200,000.00
1,000,000.00
76 %
853,934.00
800,000.00
600,000.00
400,000.00
200,000.00
0.00
2002
Source: Escuela Nacional Sindical, 2009
2009
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
Unions created
180
2002- 2009
164
160
80 %
140
120
100
99
92
101
83
74
80
79
91
60
40
20
0
2002
2003
Source: Archivo Sindical, 2009
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Trade Union Leaders and Workers
Fight against Impunity
Investigations 2002- 2009*
Period
Homicides
1998-2002
603
7
2002-2006
315
39
2006-2009
109
172
Total
2.487
218
Source: Ministry of Social Protection, * September 2009
3 Fight against Discrimination and
Protection for Vulnerable Groups
Republic of Colombia
Homicides of union leaders
250
2002- 2009
200
196
150
101
100
89
60
40
50
38
26
28
0
2002
2003
2004
Source: Ministry of Social Protection
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
4. Transparency, Cooperation, and Observance of
International Commitments
Republic of Colombia
• Adoption of international instruments. Ratification of International Humanitarian
Law instruments such as the Convention Related to the Status of Stateless Persons,
the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, and the Bill to ratify the
Interamerican Protocol on the Abolition of the Death Penalty (OAS) are currently in
process.
•State Acknowledgement of Responsibility. In observance of rulings by the
InterAmerican Court of Human Rights, in 2009 the State issued official
acknowledgement of its responsibility in two events:
↘ The case of the massacre in Pueblo Bello.
↘ The case of the homicide of Germán Escué Zapata.
• Observance of cautionary and provisional measures. Follow-up has been carried
out and a process of dialogue has been undertaken with beneficiaries of measures by
the InterAmerican Human Rights Commission. Periodic reports have been presented.
4. Transparency, Cooperation, and Observance of
International Commitments
Republic of Colombia
Strengthening the relation with the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations
System
• Road Map. The recommendations by the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights as well as
the UPR recommendations and voluntary commitments constitute the road map for the Colombian
State’s actions on Human Rights policy.
•Follow-up on Recommendations. With the cooperation of the UNHCHR, a database was created on
recommendations for conventional and extra-conventional proceedings and urgent appeals issued via
United Nations special procedures.
• Strategic Lines for Cooperation. An exchange of notes took place on November 18, 2009 by which
lines for cooperation for the 2010-2011period were agreed. Priorities: social dialogue and support for the
implementation of public policies that foster observance of international standards.
4. Transparency, Cooperation, and Observance of
International Commitments
Republic of Colombia
Bilateral Mechanisms for Dialogue
European Union. Exchange of information, scenarios for cooperation in Human
Rights. Established April 21, 2009. Two meetings: May 27 and October 21.
Canada. Strengthen cooperation, facilitate information flow, share challenges and
advancements, exchange experiences. Established on July 10, 2009.
Spain. Exchange of information, exchange of positions and comments on
negotiations related to Human Rights, cooperation, academic activities. Established
in January 2010
Conclusions
Republic of Colombia
Colombia reiterates its commitment to the
implementation of the commitments and
recommendations accepted in the framework of the UPR.
• Policy of openness and transparency
• Seriousness and responsibility toward UPR commitments.
• Rejection of Human Rights violations and implementation of measures to prevent
them and to guarantee justice.
Conclusions
Republic of Colombia
Colombia reiterates its commitment to the
implementation of the commitments and
recommendations accepted in the framework of the UPR.
• The country is committed to rising to meet the remaining challenges represented by
drug trafficking, organized crime, illegal armed groups, and corruption
• It reaffirms its desire to strengthen the rule of Law and to overcome impunity
• It is grateful for the support and cooperation from the international community
• It calls on the international community to demand that illegal armed groups
immediately cease violent actions against the population and against democratic
institutions