VP/HR — threats against 120 human rights defenders in Colombia

3.11.2014

Question for written answer P-008635-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Javier Couso Permuy (GUE/NGL) , Izaskun Bilbao Barandica (ALDE) , Linda McAvan (S&D) , Ernest Urtasun (Verts/ALE) , Elena Valenciano Martínez-Orozco (S&D)

We have been informed by a representative of the Colombia-Europe-United States Coordination (a coalition of more than 200 Colombian NGOs) that during the month of September over 120 human rights defenders in Colombia were threatened through several emails. We know that threats are all too often carried out in this country: according to the ‘Programa Somos Defensores’, 18 of the 30 human rights defenders killed during the first half of 2014 had reported threats before their murders. This is a very worrying situation.

The existence of guarantees for the defence of human rights and for the victims is a fundamental condition for encouraging inclusive peace-building processes. Therefore we hope that the announced reduction of the budget of the National Protection Unit will not affect the protection measures for human rights defenders.

In this context, what actions are the External Action Service and its delegation in Colombia taking?

Will the VP/HR make a public statement expressing her concerns and clear support for the work of human rights defenders?

What actions is the EU taking to support the Colombian government in protecting human rights defenders?