The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 10 July 2010

Newsletter 7

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Colombia goes before the United Nations Human Rights Council The human rights situation in Colombia was examined on 10 December by the United Nations Human Rights Council through the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

The human rights situation in Colombia was examined on 10 December by the United Nations Human Rights Council through the mechanism of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).  Both national and international human rights organisations (in their widest sense) presented reports and now pin their hopes on the outcome of the debate.  However, they are aware of the historic failure of the Colombian government and guerrilla groups to comply with international recommendations, the latter in relation to their responsibility regarding international humanitarian law.

Newsletter 8

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Insisting on humanitarian agreements and political negotiation The recent unilateral liberation of 6 people by the FARC-EP is a positive step, made possible by the crucial role played by Colombian civil society.

The recent unilateral liberation of 6 people by the FARC-EP is a positive step, made possible by the crucial role played by Colombian civil society.  It is proof that, in Colombia, humanitarian solutions are possible when humanitarian preoccupations

Our solidarity is universal.

We are deeply concerned about all victims of armed conflict, repression and violence around the world — from Sudan to Syria, including the persecution of the Rohingya and so many other crises that often receive less international attention than they deserve. Each of these situations calls for solidarity, remembrance, justice and action.

However, we have decided to specifically highlight the message ‘Stop Genocide in Palestine’ because what is happening in Palestine represents not only a human tragedy of enormous magnitude, but also a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and to the rules-based international system itself. The indifference and complicity of much of the international community in the face of the apartheid regime imposed by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people represent one of the greatest moral and political contradictions of our time.

The persistent violation of essential norms — such as the protection of the civilian population, the prohibition of collective punishment and respect for proportionality in the use of force — not only has devastating consequences for the Palestinian population, but also erodes the global mechanisms designed to limit the power of states and prevent abuses.

When these rules are repeatedly breached without any effective consequences, the framework that protects all populations in conflict situations, anywhere in the world, is weakened. Therefore, speaking out in this case does not mean ignoring other forms of suffering, but rather emphasising the urgency of defending an international order which, if it collapses, leaves everyone in a more vulnerable position.

Drawing attention to this situation is, therefore, an act consistent with the universal values we uphold: the protection of life, human dignity and respect for international law, without exception.

Oidhaco logo - Oficina Internacional de derechos Humanos - Acción Colombia
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