The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Day: 21 February 2024

Members of the European Parliament encourage the Colombian government in a letter to promote gender policies and the implementation of the final peace agreement of 2016.

by

The European Parliament has committed itself to peace-building in Colombia, through the follow-up and monitoring of the implementation of the Final Agreement for the End of the Conflict and the Establishment of a Stable and Lasting Peace, and in particular the implementation of measures that incorporate a gender perspective and promote the full participation of women and LGBTIQ+ people in the maintenance and consolidation of peace and security.

The letter, signed by 27 parliamentarians, calls on the Colombian government to request and promote the inclusion of clear and binding indicators in departmental and municipal development plans, so that civil society organisations can follow up and monitor their evolution. On the other hand, Colombia should continue to fulfil its international commitments to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

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.