A/HRC/10/82
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simple consequence of armed conflict. Portugal also recommended (b) measures to ensure that
the military justice system does not claim jurisdiction in human rights cases involving members
of the security forces.
43.
Brazil stressed its support for the efforts of the Government and civil society to
strengthen democracy and the rule of law in the face of a deep-rooted history of violence. It
stated that Colombia recognizes that the rule of law is a necessary precondition for the
development and promotion of human rights and that there can be no security without human
rights. The fight against armed illegal groups must be won. Brazil emphasized the prevention,
investigation and punishment of members of law enforcement and security forces for abuses. It
applauded the progress made, and acknowledged the efforts to guarantee the independence of the
judiciary to fight impunity and punish those responsible for violations. It said that the passage of
legislation on reparations for victims of the Colombian conflict would be significant progress.
These actions will guarantee enjoyment of civil and political rights, but these rights are only
sustainable if accompanied by efforts in economic, social and cultural rights. It firmly backed
and encouraged the fight against poverty. Brazil asked about further measures to guarantee that
public security forces respect human rights; how civil society can contribute more to
guaranteeing rights; and whether, under the mandate of the universal periodic review, there were
specific areas in which technical assistance would be welcome. It recommended that Colombia
(a) increase social and economic initiatives to reinforce the full enjoyment of human rights by
internally displaced persons, in particular minorities, such as indigenous peoples and Afrodescendents; (b) expand access to education by offering free public primary education; (c)
continue efforts to combat impunity and human rights violations, and achieving the voluntary
human rights goals approved by the Council in its resolution 9/12.
44.
India welcomed two initiatives taken by the Government related to the National Plan for
Education in Human Rights implemented by the Ministry of Education and the Policy for
Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law for the Armed Forces adopted by the
Ministry of Defence. It commended Colombia for its efforts to integrate the study of human
rights into its education system and law enforcement agencies. India noted the establishment of
the Office of the Ombudsman at the regional and municipal levels and requested more
information on the work of this network, which encompasses 1,102 Ombudsmen offices across
the country. India asked whether the mandate of the office of the Ombudsman is different from
that of a national human rights institution in full compliance with the Paris Principles.
45.
Canada noted the Government’s willingness to engage constructively on improving the
human rights condition of its people, and expressed support for the significant ongoing efforts in
this regard. Nonetheless, it believed that the ongoing internal armed conflict continues to foster
conditions for serious human rights violations and abuse. Canada recommended that the
Government (a) fully prosecute extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and forced
displacements and take strong action to stop their occurrence. Commending its success in
demobilizing paramilitary groups, Canada expressed concern that some continued to operate and
commit atrocities. It recommended that the Government (b) further reinforce its efforts to
immediately disband and disarm all paramilitary groups, including those that regrouped under
different guises, and hold them accountable for their actions. Recognizing Colombia’s search for
peace and reconciliation and its efforts to address claims by victims for truth, justice and
reparations, Canada recommended that the Government (c) ensure all legislation and
programmes in the Justice and Peace process comply with international standards. Commending
its increased efforts to protect people from human rights abuses, Canada recommended that the
Government (d) take greater measures to ensure the safety of all its people, including directly
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