Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

Colombia
The tone of the national debate on human rights in Colombia changed markedly after
the new government of President Juan Manuel Santos took office on 7 August. In
his inauguration speech President Santos declared that the defence of human rights
would be a “firm and unavoidable commitment” of his government. In a meeting
following the inauguration he told Minister of State Jeremy Browne of his
determination to make human rights a “non-issue” in Colombia. These commitments
have so far translated into an improved dialogue with civil society, better relations
with the judiciary and improvements in some areas under the direct control of the
government, such as the conduct of the military. The Colombian government
embarked on an ambitious reform programme which includes new legislation to
combat corruption, reform the judiciary, restitute land to displaced people and
compensate victims.
Nevertheless, the situation on the ground continued to cause concern. Human rights
defenders were frequently victims of violence and intimidation and murder;
indigenous and Afro-Colombian people suffered displacement, threats and
massacres; and impunity levels remained high. The activities of illegal armed groups
were a significant obstacle to progress in many parts of the country. Further barriers
include corruption, the worst winter floods in Colombia’s history, the complicated
situation of land distribution, and the government’s lack of control over many remote
areas.
Our Embassy in Bogotá implemented a comprehensive and high-profile programme
of human rights work, offering advice and assistance to the Colombian government
and delivering tangible progress. We also intervened in individual cases of concern.
Our Embassy worked closely with UK NGOs and on Human Rights Day in
December we issued Bogotá’s first-ever joint statement between civil society
representatives and an embassy, which recognised the work of Colombian human
rights defenders in confronting the country’s problems. During Jeremy Browne’s
meeting with President Santos in Bogotá in August – where the vice president,
foreign minister, defence minister, environment minister and the director of the
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