The United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the
situation in Colombia is still of the “utmost concern” and that the
government needs to do more to protect citizens.
High Commissioner Navanethem Pillay was addressing the Human Rights Council on “situations of particular concern” globally.
She said that country’s 40-year-long armed conflict “has
resulted in enormous human, social, economic and political costs.”
Pillay denounced the ongoing use of “sexual violence as a war tactic” and expressed concern over continued displacemnet caused by conflict.
She also condemned the continued use of landmines.
The High Commissioner said that “all armed groups” are responsible for ongoing human rights abuses and that “Indigenous and Afro-Colombian are disproportionately
affected”.
Pillay praised the Colombian government for inviting Special Procedures mandate holders to the South American nation and advised the State act on their recommendations.
“The Government should
take all the necessary steps to protect civilians, mitigate their
suffering and address their need for justice,” she said.