HUMAN RIGHTS IN COLOMBIA (No. 2)

Early day motion 2456, tabled 22 November 2011 by Baroness Clark of Kilwinning (Labour). Signed by 48 members.

That this House welcomes the positive change under President Santos' administration in trying to address the needs of the many victims created by the Colombian conflict, with the introduction of the Victims Law 1448; is concerned, however, that the killings and attacks against community leaders and human rights defenders working on land and victims issues continue to increase; notes that Colombia continues to be the most dangerous country in the world for human rights defenders and trade unionists; also notes that sexual violence against women in the Colombian confict is a hidden crime and the perpetrators are very rarely held to account; recognises the commitment of the British Embassy in Colombia to supporting human rights and human rights defenders; calls on the Government to ask President Santos, during his forthcoming visit to the UK, for further concrete commitments to improve the human rights situation in his country and the protection provided to defenders, trade unionists and community and church leaders; and urges all parties in the Colombian conflict to enter into dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.