Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Colombia: Human Rights

Tuesday 21 June 2022 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mary Foy inquired about the UK's stance on ensuring a proper investigation into recent killings of civilians by the Colombian army and false reports labeling them as armed dissidents.
  • Mary Foy also asked about the continuation of high-level engagement with the new Colombian Administration given the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Colombia.
  • Chris Matheson questioned the Minister about committing to working with the new Colombian Administration to address ongoing violence, noting the UK's role as the UN penholder for Colombia.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Foreign Affairs
Context

Colombia's new government under Gustavo Petro has raised concerns about human rights violations.

Question

I am concerned about the recent killings of civilians by the Colombian army and false reports that label them as armed dissidents. Given Colombia's history of military falsifying records, what steps are being taken to ensure a proper investigation?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We congratulate Gustavo Petro on his election and look forward to working with him on shared priorities. We have no specific details about the incident mentioned but emphasise our commitment to peace and human rights in Colombia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps for proper investigation not detailed

How: Congratulating New Government, Looking Forward To Working Together

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Q2 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
Foreign Affairs Environment
Context

The UK and Colombia have strengthened their relationship in recent years, particularly focusing on trade, investment, drug crime, and the environment.

Question

Given the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Colombia, will we continue to engage at a high level with the new Colombian Administration?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We acknowledge the importance of our bilateral relationship with Colombia across various sectors such as trade, investment, drug crime, and environment. We will continue to work closely together on these issues.

Answered
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Q3 Mark Menzies Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Colombia is the most dangerous country for trade unionists, with ongoing violence against social activists and indigenous peoples.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that the peace process includes civil society groups like trade unions, which have been neglected?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The hon. Member raises an important point about protecting civil society. We will continue to support the Colombian Government and advocate for the peace process with FARC, acknowledging the role of President-elect Petro.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitments on inclusion not detailed

How: Supporting The Peace Process, Commitment From New President

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Q4 Chris Matheson Lab
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

Gustavo Petro's election offers a chance for renewed commitment to the Colombian peace agreement, but violence against social activists and indigenous peoples continues.

Question

As the UN penholder for Colombia, will the Minister commit to changing course and working with the new Administration to address ongoing violence?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We refute the idea that we have been inactive. We have spent over £69 million on conflict, stability and security fund supporting peace agreement implementation, rural development, reintegration programmes, transitional justice mechanisms, community security. Additionally, we put in over £240 million for climate funding to stabilise environmental areas.

Answered
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Q5 Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East
Foreign Affairs
Context

New government under Gustavo Petro should provide new impetus towards full implementation of peace agreement, but violence against social activists and indigenous peoples continues.

Question

What steps will the Minister take to investigate recent incidents involving civilian casualties falsely reported as combatants?

Answer from Vicky Ford

We congratulate Gustavo Petro on his election and look forward to working with him on shared priorities. We have no specific details about the incident mentioned but emphasise our commitment to peace and human rights in Colombia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Investigation steps not detailed

How: Congratulating New Government, Looking Forward To Working Together

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