The U.N. Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon commended Colombia for enacting its Victims’ Law, saying the legislation is a fundamental step towards resolving the conflicts that Colombians have endured for decades.
The highest official of the U.N. had come to Colombia to be present when Presdient Juan Manuel Santos enacted he law that was recently passed by Congress.
”This ambitious, complex piece of legislation has taken Colombia closer to realizing the rights of victims.” said the Secretary-General. “But let us not overlook where it can be strengthened. I urge you to send a powerful message that under no circumstances will human rights violations be tolerated,” he added, referring to the recent murders of activists who demand the restitution of land stolen by illegal armed groups.
According to the U.N. press office, the effectiveness of the land program will depend on adopting comprehensive protection measures.
“The proper and timely implementation of this law will determine whether expectations raised are met,” said Mr. Ban.
On Friday, Ban-Ki-moon was present when President Juan Manuel Santos signed what he had called a “historic” law that grants compensation to victims of the country’s decades-long violent conflict and provides legislation to secure the return of stolen land.
However, since Santos proposed the law to Congress in October, 16 representatives of displaced people claiming back their land have been murdered.
