HRC56 - NB8 statement - technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights in Colombia

Human Rights Council – 56th session

Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on technical cooperation and capacity-building in the field of human rights in Colombia

Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

8 July 2024

Mr. President,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We thank the High Commissioner for his latest report and the valuable recommendations. We would also like to commend Colombia in for its openness in recognizing the urgent need for a comprehensive and integral implementation of the peace agreement from 2016, and its efforts towards peace.

The grave security situation faced by former combatants, human rights defenders and social leaders represents a threat to the peace agreement. We concur with the High Commissioner’s recommendation that the government should adopt a public policy of guarantees for the work of defense of human rights and that the implementation is overseen by the national and regional roundtables for guarantees.

In line with the report, we urge Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office to advance towards ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses.

We also share the view that reinforcing the presence of the state in rural areas requires intergovernmental coordination at all levels.

High Commissioner, in your view, what concrete steps could Colombia take to strengthen such coordination and thereby also strengthen implementation of the key policies mentioned in the report?

I thank you.