A/HRC/10/29 643. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the Government’s positive engagement in the universal periodic review, but added that concerns had continued to emerge in its aftermath. It noted the killing of Edwin Legarda, extending its condolences to Aida Quilque and calling on Colombia to ensure justice and accountability for those responsible. It strongly condemned the massacre in February 2009 of 27 members of the vulnerable Awa indigenous community by the FARC. Noting with concern the continuing threats against trade unionists and others, it said those responsible must be vigorously pursued and brought to justice. It urged authorities to do their utmost to promote and protect the roles of human rights defenders, journalists, civil society organizations, trade unionists and those who represent the most vulnerable, including the indigenous population. Defenders should not be stigmatized, officially or otherwise. The United Kingdom would continue working with international partners and civil society to maintain the positive momentum of the review process in helping Colombia address the threat of illegal armed groups and to bring lasting and robust improvements in human rights. 644. Guatemala commended Colombia’s positive attitude to the recommendations made. It noted the constant challenges that existed for both Colombia and itself, and welcomed the Government’s commitment to improving the human rights of its citizens and the openness and cooperation shown to treaty bodies, mandate holders and to the Council and its various bodies generally. It also welcomed the detailed replies it received to the questions and suggestions made. 645. China thanked Colombia for its frank, open and constructive attitude to the universal periodic review in the presentation of its efforts, achievements and challenges in human rights promotion and protection. It welcomed Colombia’s serious answers and written replies to questions raised by States, including China, and the establishment of follow-up mechanisms to implement the accepted recommendations. It was convinced that, in the light of specific conditions in the country, the Government would overcome difficulties and make new achievements in human rights. 646. Panama welcomed Colombia’s replies to questions and recommendations, congratulating the Government and civil society on the high quality review, which was open, with dialogue, responsibility and great commitment. Panama highlighted Colombia’s establishment of a procedure for follow-up of recommendations accepted and the voluntary commitments made. Panama was convinced that the universal periodic review would become a practical instrument, serving to continually improve and inspire States like Colombia to design and implement mechanisms, enabling progress on the basis of the recommendations and by assessing national policies. (c) General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 647. The Colombian Commission of Jurists and the World Organization against Torture dedicated their statement, on behalf of 1,200 Colombian organizations, to Edwin Legarda, who was murdered after his wife participated in the Working Group discussions in December 2008. It highlighted the violations of both humanitarian law and human rights committed by the guerrilla and the State’s lack of compliance with its human rights obligations and commitments. It noted the human rights issues raised during the review and which persisted in Colombia, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, recruitment of children and forced displacement, violations that particularly affect indigenous peoples and Afro-Colombian communities, women and children. It stressed that paramilitaries linked to the authorities had not been dismantled and were benefiting from impunity; the executive meddled in the judicial branch; victims had not received compensation owing to the many failures in the implementation of the justice and peace law; increased harassment of human rights defenders, unionists and journalists 192 GE.09-17451