Letter to the Chairman of the Committee
from Jim Sheridan MP
I understand that the Foreign Affairs Select
Committee is shortly to examine the FCO's Human Rights Annual
Report 2008.
As you may be aware I recently visited Colombia and
I have read the section of the report that covers the situation
in Colombia with interest.
I was somewhat concerned that the FCO's report
did not reflect the true severity of the human rights crisis in
Colombia and, in particular, appears to make the assumption that
the situation is improving.
Whilst some indicators undoubtedly appear to
be getting better there is no doubt that many—for example
the numbers of trade unionists being murdered, the numbers of
people being forcibly displaced, etc—are actually deteriorating.
In particular I was concerned to see that the
report made only a passing mention to the issue of forced disappearances
in Colombia. Recent years have seen a large increase in cases
and, according to testimony that we heard whilst in Colombia,
in most instances State forces are behind the act. As you will
be aware there are tens of thousands of disappeared people in
Colombia and I find it astonishing that the FCO report does not
tackle this issue when looking at the overall human rights situation
there.
Finally, I was very pleased to see your Committee's
description of ongoing UK military assistance to Colombia as "inappropriate":
There is no doubt in my mind that British aid should not be being
provided to the Colombian security forces due to their deep involvement
in human rights abuses and, whilst I certainly welcome the recent
decision to end part of the UK's military assistance to Colombia,
it is, I believe, of paramount importance that all such assistance
cease. This would send a clear political message to the Colombian
military that their conduct is unacceptable. In addition, the
resources involved could be much better spent helping the victims
of Colombia's conflict.
I trust that you and the other members of the
Committee will take these concerns into account when considering
your own response to the FCO's new report and please don't hesitate
to contact me should you require clarification on any of the above.
19 May 2009
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