A/HRC/10/29 the restriction had been lifted, 62 partial charges were brought against perpetrators. The first conviction was secured the day prior to the meeting, and 15 cases were awaiting trial. 659. With regard to the murders allegedly committed by law enforcement officials, the delegation stated that the Government had discretionally retired 3,500 law enforcement officials on its own initiative. Despite the fact that 75,000 tactical missions had been undertaken since 2002, only 938 complaints were being investigated, with 1,117 persons involved. All cases had been remitted to the ordinary courts. 660. The delegation said that the Government had repeatedly expressed regret for the death of Edwin Legarda and the investigation was in the hands of the Prosecutor’s office. The events having occurred at 5 a.m. on a highway created a confusing situation and the Government was asking the Prosecutor’s office to establish the facts. The State had provided information to ambassadors in Colombia on progress, and a new directive had been issued by the Secretary of Defence on how military roadblocks should be established, learning from this regrettable experience. The Constitutional Court had ordered 34 ethnic safeguard plans for 34 indigenous communities, developing a comprehensive policy to provide care for these communities. 661. On the relationship between the Government and non-governmental organizations, the delegation stated that differences existed in that the Government believed it had done its best to address human rights violations, overcome impunity and protect the population, although non-governmental organizations might not share this view. Their view was respected. It added, however, that, for example, a few years earlier paramilitaries were responsible for 250 massacres a year without any reaction from the State authorities, but that now all paramilitary leaders were being held in maximum security prisons and tried for their crimes, and their demobilization required strict commitments to reveal truth, provide reparations to victims and carry out prison sentences. Colombia refused to regard the groups that had emerged to take over the control of 500 metric tons of coca, in many areas linked to the guerrilla, as paramilitary groups. These groups wanted to be qualified as paramilitaries to be subject to negotiation. 662. Colombia regretted the situation regarding the journalist Hollman Morris, but added that the statements made by the Government questioning Mr. Morris had been made following the claims of two people who had been kidnapped and had questioned the behaviour of the journalist. The delegation stated that a pluralistic press existed in Colombia, and a great range of opinion could be found in the media. 663. Responding to concerns about the cost of education, Colombia reported on the establishment of a free subsidy for the poorest children, which would benefit 4.5 million children. 664. Colombia was aware that legislation had to be enacted to ensure the Constitutional Court decision of January on same-sex couples did not remain a dead letter. 665. Colombia also affirmed that all challenges could be met if work continued with the international community, human rights organizations and civil society in a constructive spirit, rejecting all forms of violence and strengthening the institutions. 15. Uzbekistan 666. The review of Uzbekistan was held on 11 December 2008 in conformity with all the relevant provisions contained in Council resolution 5/1, and was based on the national report submitted by Uzbekistan in accordance with the annex to Council resolution 5/1, paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/UZB/1); the compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/UZB/2); and the summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/3/UZB/3). 196 GE.09-17451

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