Kennedy Center for Human Rights Condemns Colombia
News from Colombia |
on: Friday, 31 October 2008
Three leading US organisations including the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights and the Washington Office on Latin America have written to the Colombian Government condemning recent attacks by the Colombian security forces on unarmed civilians during which five people were killed and expressing their concern at statements being made by senior officials against human rights defenders and others. Their letter also says that they are "deeply disturbed by the recent deterioration in the human rights situation in your country" and claim that "reports from the ground indicate that Colombia is experiencing a wave of threats, attacks and killings of Colombian civilians and human rights defenders."
The letter also outlines continuing paramilitary activity – despite the Colombian regime claiming that the paramilitaries no longer exist – and recent cases of forced displacement.
To read the full text of the letter click here.
