The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 5 November 2012

The participation of women is essential to achieve lasting peace in Colombia

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Debate in the European Parliament on the inclusion of women in the current Colombian peace talks. Joint press release by Oidhaco and Grupo Sur.

Thirteen years on since the signing of UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, a milestone for the recognition of women by the international community as essential actors for lasting peace, the civil society networks Oidhaco and Grupo Sur have organized today at the European Parliament in Brussels, an event in which women took the floor and explained to the EU why it is essential for them to be taken into account in the current negotiations being conducted by the Colombian government with the FARC guerrillas.

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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