A/HRC/10/82
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measures have been taken, such as a review of all procedures, the creation of certification of
human rights for military compounds, the revision of the assessment system of military forces,
ensuring the accompanying of judicial police in compliance with United Nations
recommendations regarding the use of force and the creation of a new system of complaints.
Colombia asked the Council to study the issue of drug trafficking and human rights. The
delegation noted that much of this work was made possible thanks to the very close and ongoing
support of OHCHR and ICRC, and it thanked both organizations.
78.
The delegation applauded the presence of civil society organizations and thanked the
troika, which will be accompanying Colombia in this process.
79.
The delegation indicated that the process was not as extensive as Colombia would have
liked, not because of any lack of willingness on the part of the Government but because some
civil society organizations refused to participate, alleging a lack of guarantees. It noted that a
number of organizations did participate and the Government tried to go through this process in
an open and public manner.
80.
The delegation also indicated that Colombia found it odd that there is an idea that there is
a generalized practice of torture by public forces. Colombia stressed that this does not
correspond to the human rights situation in Colombia. The delegation reported that, to the
contrary, 85 per cent of people in the guerrillas that were demobilized presented themselves
before members of public forces, which shows that they had full confidence that their personal
integrity would be respected. Moreover, it was noted that any process with regard to detaining
people by public law enforcement was absolutely key in Colombia, in terms of both the judicial
mandate and the judicial authority accompanying the process. Colombia repeated that it was then
impossible to have seen widespread use of torture as was stated during the discussion.
81.
It was noted that the Ombudsman in Colombia corresponds to the one set up based on the
Paris Principles. The delegation promised that the Government would send answers in writing
and respond to recommendations.
82.
With regard to the commission for searching for missing persons, it does not only involve
Government members but also civil society organizations and family members of the missing
persons. A national plan for searching for missing persons was set up using information systems.
The Government has also created a network system for the identification of missing persons. The
delegation stressed that many of the 69 commitments made voluntarily relate to the process of
finding missing persons. It highlighted that the case of the death of young people presented as
persons who died in combat was discovered through the functioning of this system, therefore
showing the Government’s efforts in this regard.
83.
The delegation noted that one of the most controversial issues related to the confusion
over human rights defenders. The President’s policy is to have an ongoing relationship with the
community. Guarantees for the exercise of freedoms are also provided for, together with a policy
of guarantees for social protection. There are several scenarios for dialogue with nongovernmental organizations, including specific commissions created by the Government in
which civil society participates. Furthermore, there is an ongoing follow-up within the London –
Cartagena – Bogota process, and there are also regional scenarios. At the beginning of his
presidential term, the President held numerous meetings with non-governmental organizations.
Currently, several ministers, the Attorney General and the Director of the Presidential
Programme for Human Rights maintain a constant dialogue with the organizations. The Vice-
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