A/HRC/10/82
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since the demobilization process began, and (b) continue its investigations of public servants and
political leaders who have links with paramilitary groups. Concerned about OHCHR reports that
human rights defenders and trade unionists are being murdered, have received threats or been
subjected to interference in their work, it recommended that the Government (c) acknowledge
publicly the work of human rights defenders and trade unionists as legitimate and refrain from
making public statements which could be seen as delegitimizing these groups or linking them
with illegal guerrilla groups; and that it (d) ensure that human rights abuses against human rights
defenders, trade unionists and other advocacy groups are investigated thoroughly and those
responsible are prosecuted.
56.
Romania requested further elaboration on the policies envisaged to ensure full
implementation of the right to education and non-discrimination in access to education,
particularly regarding indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups, and on measures to fight against
the phenomenon of children abandoning school. It requested information on cooperation with
civil society in preparing the national report, and on intentions regarding the follow-up to the
review. Romania recommended (a) ensuring the full protection of children’s rights, in particular
of children who are victims of the internal armed conflict and adequately addressing all
situations of violence against women; and (b) adopting measures to protect human rights
defenders and cooperate with human rights organizations in adopting a national plan of action
for human rights and in the implementation of review recommendations.
57.
Hungary welcomed the promulgation of the new Code for Children in 2006 and the
creation of the inter-sectorial commission for the prevention of the recruitment and use of
children and young persons by illegal armed groups. However, citing statements by the
Secretary-General and the High Commissioner, it stated that there is still concern about the use
of children for military and intelligence purposes by illegal armed groups and the Government
itself. It asked what measures Colombia intends to take to resolve the issue. Hungary
commended the launch of the Ministry of the Interior’s protection programme to defend human
rights defenders. It recommended (a) equal emphasis on the implementation of this programme
on the field, bearing in mind the joint statement of the Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral on the situation of human rights defenders with other special rapporteurs who expressed
concerns about the situation and called for appropriate measures to be taken by Colombia; and
(b) the visit of the Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders that was requested in 2006 but
not yet agreed upon.
58.
Bolivia encouraged the authorities to continue elaborating its national human rights plan
of action, hoping it will be implemented through laws and public policies as a matter of priority.
It asked about measures the State had taken to implement the recommendations made by the
Special Rapporteur on the rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples after his visit
in 2004. It also recommended that Colombia (a) invite the Special Rapporteur on the rights of
indigenous peoples to return to the country for a follow-up visit as soon as possible; and (b) take
into account the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the
implementation of its public policies.
59.
Panama acknowledged the persistence and courage of the Government and people of
Colombia. It echoed the improvements in security mentioned by others, but expressed concern
over the displacement of civilians by the armed conflict and its consequences on the full
enjoyment of human rights. It sought information on measures to overcome poverty and its
impact in the different regions of the country, the human rights policy in the security forces and
future expectations in this regard. Considering the priority importance of the right to health, and
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