Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn RSS
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Donate
    • Forum
    • Contact
    Login
    InfoStride NewsInfoStride News
    • Home
    • Business
    • Celebrity
    • Crime
    • Nigeria
    • Politics
    • Sports
    • Technology
    • More
      • COVID-19
      • Editor’s Picks
      • Health
      • Opinions
      • Press Releases
      • World
    Subscribe
    InfoStride NewsInfoStride News
    Home»News»World News»American News»In Bogotá, UN deputy rights chief says ‘peace is the only option’ for Colombia

    In Bogotá, UN deputy rights chief says ‘peace is the only option’ for Colombia

    American News By UN NewsMay 2, 2015No Comments4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit VKontakte

    21 April 2015 – The road to peace is a complex and winding one, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights said today during her visit to Colombia, a country with a “unique opportunity to evolve into a society” where everyone enjoys rights equally and without discrimination.

    “I am aware that not everyone is convinced that peace is the best option for Colombia. But it is clear that peace is the best – the only – option,” said Flavia Pansieri, who travelled to Bogotá, Putumayo and Cauca where she met with authorities, ministers, representatives of civil society, as well as women, indigenous, afro-descendants and peasant organizations.

    These groups have suffered disproportionately from Colombia’s protracted conflict, Ms. Pansieri said at a press conference. “They tell us stories of suffering and abuses they have suffered, not just because of the conflict, but because of a system that has historically discriminated and dispossessed them.”

    During the armed conflict, over seven million victims suffered large-scale violations of human rights and humanitarian law, the Deputy rights chief stated, stressing the importance of special mechanisms of transitional justice. Now the State must increase attention to the rights of these groups – including basic rights, which are enjoyed in the richer parts of this country.

    “In a modern Colombia there cannot be indigenous or Afro-descendant children who die of easily preventable illnesses, or because the water they drink is polluted with toxic waste produced by uncontrolled mining,” Ms. Pansieri said.

    See also  Ebola effect reverses gains in maternal, child mortality

    She also praised the dialogue initiatives which are taking place throughout the country, 46 of which the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is participating in. She emphasized the importance of the “unique consultation mechanism,” which allows all parties to understand each other’s needs and perspectives.

    “People have the right to defend human rights and I want to stress the direct responsibility of the State in creating a climate of protection, in which these terrible acts become unacceptable. The best way to ensure this is through the investigation, prosecution and punishment of those who threaten and attack human rights defenders,” she said.

    In discussions with different authorities on the progress made in prosecutions for extrajudicial executions carried out to inflate statistics on combat killings –what became known as ‘false positives’ – she urged the Ministry of Defence to support the investigation, prosecution and sanction of these crimes.

    “Ending impunity for ‘false positives’ will ensure that victims’ rights are recognized and that these crimes will not be repeated anywhere in Colombia,” Ms. Pansieri said. “I would like to insist on the need for Colombia to act in line with human rights standards, which ensure respect for human rights and legitimacy in the use of force.”

    See also  UN rights expert urges United Kingdom to step up response to violence against women

    These mechanisms can help ensure, in a comprehensive manner, not only justice but also truth, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition. There is an imperative need for Colombia to develop judicial and non-judicial measures to help society deal with the human rights and international humanitarian law violations of the past.

    While commending the current Government’s commitment to truth, justice and reparation for victims, she also insisted on the need for more coordination and cooperation mechanisms between State institutions.

    “I also call on the Government to pay special attention to the demobilization and reintegration of girls and boys, preferably through a plan of action that will address the grave violations committed against them,” Ms. Pansieri said.

    The international community has a major responsibility to accompany this process, she said, welcoming the international community to continue assisting the country in the promotion and protection of human rights, with the aim of achieving sustainable and lasting peace.

    “I am conscious of the enormous challenges that exist. But I am convinced that with the participation of all sectors of society, a better future is guaranteed for Colombia for this generation and the next,” she said.

    Source: UN News Centre – Americas

    Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate

    America News Americas UN News UN News Centre United Nations
    Share. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Pinterest Reddit Tumblr VKontakte Email LinkedIn

    Related Posts

    FG Allocates N81.7bn for Streetlights Construction in 2023 Budget, Higher Than Total Amount for Schools and PHCs Combined

    Jun 2, 2023

    Texas Lawmakers impeach attorney general for corruption

    May 28, 2023

    Records of French slaves to be inscribed on UN world heritage register

    May 23, 2023

    Debt limit battle: Joe Biden ramps up pressure on House GOP lawmakers

    May 10, 2023
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Get Social with Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest 94
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    Latest Posts

    South East Shouldn’t Engage In Online Bullying Because Buhari’s Supporters Did Same – Seyi Law

    Jun 4, 2023

    I Want To Feel Important At MUFC – Fred

    Jun 4, 2023

    Fans Love To Recreate How My Character Died In Game Of Thrones – Pedro Pascal

    Jun 4, 2023

    I Will Never Forget All I Learnt From Benzema – Vinicius Jr

    Jun 4, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest breaking news straight into your inbox!

    Random News

    We Didn’t Vote Before Impeaching Deputy Speaker — Ogun Assembly

    Mar 6, 2021

    David Mark Urges Nigerians Not To Write-off President Buhari’s Efforts To Reposition Nigeria

    Dec 25, 2015

    Ladol Obtains Court Injunction As Jonathan Attempts To Impose Foreign Monopoly On Maritime Sector

    May 16, 2015

    South Africa moves on after Nelson Mandela laid to rest

    Dec 16, 2013

    InfoStride News delivers the latest breaking news, Nigeria news, world news and top stories on business, celebrity, entertainment, politics, sports, technology and more. Experience the best of in-depth coverage, special reports, football highlights, political opinions, crime watch, celebrity gossips etc.

    GooglePlay Store Button

    Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism

    Credible journalism involves a lot of efforts and money; and can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. We need your support to continue offering free access to our loyal readers and visitors like you.

    Click here to Donate

    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn RSS
    • Our Terms
    © 2023 InfoStride News. All Rights Reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Sign In or Register

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below.

    Continue with Facebook
    Continue with Google
    Continue with Twitter
    Lost password?