Amnesty International's written statement on the human rights situation in Colombia

Publish Date: 
Thursday, February 18, 2016

On 9 February 2016, Amnesty International (AI) submitted a written statement to the 31st session of the UN Human Rights Council regarding the human rights situation in Colombia. In the statement, AI acknowledges progress in the peace process between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government as a result of political will on behalf of both parties to put an end to the armed conflict. .

However, AI articulates concerns about the agreement on victims of the armed conflict, made public in December of last year. According to this global human rights organization, the agreement includes several provisions that appear inconsistent with international law and standards on the right of victims to truth, justice, reparation and a guarantee of the non-recurrence of violations. The non-custodial sanctions for those who acknowledge responsibility for grave violations of human rights and grave breaches of international humanitarian law are a case in point.

AI has a long history of monitoring the dynamics of the hostilities in Colombia. Given its extensive experience related to armed conflict, disappearances, arms control and many other human rights issues, AI has significant influence in Colombia, both within institutional spaces and civil society organizations.

There are many resources available on their website, including a series of complaints, news items, campaigns and research reports on the Colombian context, dating from 1989 to the present.

You can access the report and other work of AI here.

Photo: AP.

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