Human Rights Council – 55th session
Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with International Expert on human rights situation in Colombia.
Statement delivered by Norway on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden.
2 April 2024
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the International Expert for her dedicated efforts.
We commend Colombia for its efforts towards peace – and for its openness to recognize the country’s human rights challenges and the obstacles facing the full implementation of the peace agreement.
The situation for human rights defenders, as well as for signatories to the Peace Agreement in Colombia, remains deeply worrying. While we recognise recent efforts to improve security in rural areas, we encourage the Colombian government to continue strengthening the National Protection Unit (UNP) and reconvene the National Round Table for Security Guarantees with representatives at the highest level.
We also urge Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office to advance towards ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses.
In line with the report of the Independent Expert, we call for efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2016-peace agreement, with a specific focus on human rights, transitional justice and steps that address more effectively the root causes of violence and armed conflict.
According to your findings, what would be your main recommendation to accelerate the implementation of the Peace Agreement?
Thank you.