A/HRC/10/29
were focused on reviewing prevention and protection strategies to resolve this difficult
situation. The Constitutional Court had introduced important developments, addressing
vulnerable sectors such as indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, children, people
with disabilities and displaced women. It assured the Council that no resources had been
spared to tackle this issue, but challenges remained.
632. On indigenous communities and their right to life, physical integrity and their
territory, Colombia noted the massacre in February 2009 of 80 members of the Awa
indigenous community by the FARC, who wanted to keep the coca plantations in the Awa
territory. In recovering one of the bodies, 50 anti-personnel mines had to be deactivated.
633. Colombia was also concerned about complaints relating to threats and harassment of
human rights defenders. The Government has asked the Prosecutor-General’s Office to do
its best to establish the facts, and to identify and punish those responsible. It hoped that
dialogue with civil society would help identify effective measures to work together towards
establishing the right climate for the work of human rights defenders. The Government
reiterated its conviction that dialogue with and the participation of civil society
strengthened the enjoyment of human rights in Colombia.
634. Colombia had faced grave threats against its institutions and population with a
security policy that was compatible with human rights. The universal period review had
allowed Colombia to share its achievements and challenges. Its achievements were the
result of efforts by Colombia’s people, civil society organizations and institutions, and the
international community, which they also counted on in overcoming the remaining
challenges in putting an end to violence and organized crime.
(b)
Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome
635. The Russian Federation thanked Colombia for its exhaustive and focused approach
to the issues that it had raised during the review, adding that this attentive and respectful
attitude could serve as an example. It noted that Colombia’s main efforts to combat poverty
were especially significant during the present economic crisis. Colombia’s voluntary
commitments to human rights protection had led it to establish a national control
mechanism for their implementation, a fact that testified to the State’s firm intention to
meet high standards of human rights promotion and protection. It expressed respect for
Colombia’s great desire to combat the challenges it faced and was convinced by the
Government’s efforts to ensure human rights protection and the well-being of its people.
636. Brazil welcomed Colombia’s transparency and constructive spirit in participating in
the universal periodic review, a sign of its resolve to engage in dialogue and cooperation
with the United Nations in the field of human rights, which should serve as an example. It
was also a clear signal of Colombia’s desire to overcome outstanding challenges. Brazil
supported Colombia’s efforts to implement review recommendations by identifying the
challenges, and noted that it was time for Member States to demonstrate their desire to help
others in overcoming such challenges.
637. The Netherlands commended Colombia’s strong commitment to the universal
periodic review process, including its written responses to questions. It welcomed the
acknowledgement that security forces were responsible for unlawfully killing civilians and
that steps were being taken by the Government to address these extrajudicial executions. It
encouraged the Government to ensure that all cases of human rights violations implicating
the security forces were investigated by the civilian justice system. Noting that Colombia’s
voluntary commitments include addressing impunity and guaranteeing access for justice,
especially in remote and rural areas, it wished to learn more about progress made in this
regard. It appreciated the Government’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with
human rights non-governmental organizations, highlighting the recommendations made in
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GE.09-17451
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