The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 5 February 2016

Letter from NGOs to Negotiators in Havana: The UN office for Human Rights in Colombia must remain

by

In a letter sent to the delegations of the Colombian Government and the FARC -EP, organizations insist on the need to include into the agreements the permanence of Office of the United Nations High Commissioner in Colombia.

To:
Members of the negotiating team of the government of the Republic of Colombia;
Members of the negotiating team of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia

The undersigned organisations would like to recognize the efforts that you have made in the last several years in order to achieve the progress and agreements reached to date. We know that these are complex discussions and the agreements already reached demonstrate the determination that you all possess to sign a final accord as soon as possible, in order to permit all Colombian citizens to have hope for to the constructions of a country in peace.

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
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.