Answer given by Vice-President Mogherini on behalf of the Commission

2.5.2015

The EU is closely following the evolution of the human rights situation in Colombia. It is well aware that, in spite of the progress that has been achieved in a number of areas, including the protection of human rights defenders at risk, attention to the victims of the conflict and the land restitution process, a number of causes for concern remain and that the implementation of certain commitments faces challenges.

Dialogue is the EU's preferred approach when dealing with human rights issues in third countries. In the specific case of Colombia, the EU regularly raises its concerns in the relevant fora, both in the local dialogue with the authorities in charge of protecting human rights defenders and investigating the crimes against them and in the yearly sessions of the Colombia-EU Human Rights Dialogue. The latter offers a forum where the EU can, in a constructive manner, make its views known, make suggestions on how difficulties could be addressed, and share its own experience with its Colombian counterparts. For example, during the last session of the Human Rights Dialogue in October 2014, issues such as the land restitution process, the situation of human rights defenders and the challenges facing protection schemes were discussed in detail. In addition, the EU and its Member States support both national authorities and civil society organisations working with the protection of human rights defenders, including the organisation Somos Defensores.

On the specific issue of the reform of criminal military jurisdiction, the EU has voiced its concern both in a public statement issued in December 2012 and on various occasions in the framework of the Human Rights Dialogue and high-level meetings. The EU monitors developments in this area closely.