39/6 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Colombia

GE.18-11276(E)



Human Rights Council Thirty-ninth session

10–28 September 2018

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Colombia

* The annex is being circulated without formal editing, in the languages of submission only.

United Nations A/HRC/39/6

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its thirtieth session from 7 to 18 May 2018.

The review of Colombia was held at the 7th meeting, on 10 May 2018. The delegation of

Colombia was headed by the Minister of the Interior, Guillermo Rivera Flores. At its 14th

meeting, held on 15 May 2018, the Working Group adopted the report on Colombia.

2. On 10 January 2018, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Colombia: Australia, Panama and Qatar.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Colombia:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/30/COL/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/COL/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/30/COL/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and

Northern Ireland was transmitted to Colombia through the troika. These questions are

available on the website of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The head of the delegation underscored the importance of participating in the third

cycle of the universal periodic review to share the progress made by and the challenges

facing his country. He thanked civil society organizations, the Ombudsman’s Office,

OHCHR and the United Nations agencies present in Colombia for their commitment to

achieving peace and for their daily work.

6. Peace was the best way to ensure human rights, and the Final Agreement for Ending

the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace signed in 2016 was a milestone in that

regard. Victims of the conflict had participated in the peace negotiations, and the agreement

contained both gender and ethnic dimensions. Provision had been made for the release and

subsequent care of child victims of the conflict. Dialogue was currently being held with the

Ejército de Liberación Nacional (National Liberation Army).

7. With the end of the conflict, the number of cases of kidnapping, disappearance,

recruitment and displacement and the number of victims of anti-personnel mines had fallen.

2017 had been the year with the lowest homicide rate since 1975. Progress had also been

made in terms of humanitarian demining; a third of municipalities had been declared mine-

free.

8. The Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo

(Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army) had laid down arms and some

12,000 former combatants had rejoined civil society. In addition, 69,000 families had

joined the crop substitution programmes to replace illicit crops. The Revolutionary Armed

Forces of Colombia had been included as a political party in the parliamentary elections of

March 2018, in which 48 per cent of the electorate had participated, the largest level of

participation in Colombian history. The status of the opposition had been approved,

ensuring that all political opinions would be heard.

9. Attacks against human rights defenders and social leaders continued to be one of the

greatest challenges facing the country. The Government rejected all acts of violence against

those groups and recognized the importance of their work in the process of strengthening

democracy and the rule of law. The Government was therefore working to consolidate its

policy of prevention and protection, and had implemented the new Early Warning System,

the Collective Protection Route, the National Commission of Security Guarantees and the

Special Investigation Unit for the Dismantling of Criminal Organizations and Conduct

within the Attorney General’s Office. Nearly 4,000 social leaders and human rights

defenders, 60 per cent of whom were in rural areas, were currently receiving protection

through the National Prevention and Protection Programme.

10. Over the past eight years, 5 million people had been lifted out of poverty in

Colombia, and 8 million children had been given access to free education in public schools.

Colombia was committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

11. Colombia recognized the challenges it faced in terms of forced displacement,

recruitment of children by illegal armed actors, collective reparation of victims,

investigation and punishment of those responsible for human rights violations and violence

against women. The State was committed to continuing to work to meet those challenges.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

12. During the interactive dialogue, 86 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

13. Turkey recalled the importance of the peace agreement as a road map to address

human rights issues in a comprehensive way. It stressed that land issues were of utmost

importance in tackling the root causes of violence.

14. Ukraine welcomed the adoption of the National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in

Persons and the priority given in the Strategic Plan for 2016–2020 of the Attorney

General’s Office to combating murder, sexual violence and domestic violence.

15. The United States of America raised concerns about extrajudicial killings, limited

accountability for human rights violations and abuses, and attacks on Afrodescendent and

indigenous leaders. It requested data on the prosecution of those responsible for the “false

positive” killings.

16. Uruguay praised the progress achieved in the talks with Revolutionary Armed

Forces of Colombia and encouraged Colombia to prioritize the allocation of the technical,

financial and human resources necessary to implement the peace agreement in accordance

with the principles of transparency, participation and accountability.

17. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela called for the parties to comply with the

peace agreement in order to put an end to a conflict that had caused thousands of deaths and

had lasted for more than 50 years.

18. Zambia commended Colombia for its promotion and protection of human rights and

its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

19. Algeria congratulated Colombia on its determination to build a sustainable and

lasting peace through the 2016 peace agreement. Algeria welcomed the mainstreaming of

human rights in trade issues and the measures taken to ensure due diligence in the economic

sector.

20. Angola noted that, since its previous review in 2013, Colombia had bolstered its

legislative framework in order to protect and guarantee the rights of all, in particular

through legislation concerning human rights and humanitarian law.

21. Argentina commended Colombia for the peace agreement, the establishment of the

Commission on Truth, Coexistence and Non-repetition, and its efforts to combat impunity.

22. Australia was concerned about the targeted killing and harassment of community

leaders, human rights defenders and witnesses in criminal proceedings relating to human

rights violations. It welcomed the establishment of the Land Restitution Unit.

23. Austria welcomed the signing of the peace agreement and the establishment of a

Special Investigation Unit within the Attorney General’s Office. It remained concerned

about the failure to fully implement the rights to truth, justice, reparations and guarantees of

non-repetition.

24. Azerbaijan commended Colombia for its accession to the 1961 Convention on the

Reduction of Statelessness and the implementation of the National Strategy for

Guaranteeing Human Rights 2014–2034.

25. Belgium praised the positive steps Colombia had taken to implement the

recommendations it had accepted during the second review cycle, and encouraged it to take

additional measures to strengthen the protection of human rights.

26. Bhutan commended Colombia for its comprehensive national report and welcomed

the 2016 peace agreement and the National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights 2014–

2034.

27. The Plurinational State of Bolivia shared its concerns about the attacks on human

rights defenders and social leaders. While welcoming the Victims and Land Restitution

Act, it requested information about the collective reparation process.

28. Botswana noted the efforts made to implement the recommendations Colombia had

accepted during the previous review cycle. It welcomed the National Development Plan

2014–2018 and the National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights 2014–2034.

29. Brazil acknowledged the commitment of the authorities at the highest level to

holding a transparent and constructive dialogue on human rights. It welcomed the adoption

of the peace agreement, which included a broad human rights perspective.

30. Canada welcomed the progress made in implementing the 2016 peace agreement

and on human rights. However, it continued to be concerned about high-level corruption

and the considerable impact it had on the ability of citizens to fully enjoy their social,

political and economic rights.

31. Chile inquired about the measures taken to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgender and intersex persons. It requested information about the steps taken by

Colombia to protect human rights defenders and about how it planned to increase the

effectiveness of those measures.

32. China congratulated Colombia on the progress made on the peace process and on its

efforts to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, the elderly and

persons with disabilities.

33. The Congo welcomed the signing of the 2016 peace agreement and the

development, in the wake of a participatory process, of a national strategy for the protection

of human rights. It noted with satisfaction the commitment of Colombia to implementing

relevant measures during the International Decade for People of African Descent.

34. Costa Rica wished Colombia success in the implementation of the peace agreement,

particularly the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparations and Non-repetition. It

expressed concern about the increase in the incidence of killings of human rights defenders

and community leaders.

35. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the adoption of several laws aimed at strengthening the

protection of human rights. It congratulated Colombia for its commitment to making

progress on the peace process and urged it to apply the peace agreement diligently.

36. Croatia welcomed the launching of the programme to prevent the recruitment and

use of children and adolescents by armed groups and asked the Government to make sure

that child soldiers were treated as victims.

37. Cuba highlighted the responsibility of the international community in guaranteeing

that the peace agreement was upheld, and underlined the need to support the peace

negotiations with the National Liberation Army.

38. Cyprus welcomed the signing of the peace agreement, which constituted a solid

basis for addressing the structural human rights challenges faced by Colombia. It

encouraged Colombia to intensify its efforts to address discrimination against women and

persons with disabilities.

39. Czechia appreciated the efforts Colombia was making regarding several human

rights, such as the launching of specialized programmes to prevent the forced recruitment

of children into armed groups and steps taken to recognize the rights of lesbian, gay,

bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.

40. Denmark congratulated Colombia on the peace agreement and the positive steps it

was taking towards reconciliation. Denmark highlighted the importance of the sexual and

reproductive health rights of women and girls.

41. Honduras welcomed the signing of the peace agreement and the negotiations

between the Government and the National Liberation Army towards a lasting peace. It also

welcomed the efforts being made to improve the living standards of Afro-Colombians,

indigenous peoples and women.

42. Ecuador welcomed the efforts of Colombia to implement the recommendations

received during the second review cycle and highlighted the inclusion of persons with

disabilities in social programmes.

43. Egypt noted the efforts the Government had made since the signing of the peace

agreement and the steps it had taken to incorporate human rights into the National

Development Plan 2014–2034.

44. El Salvador congratulated Colombia on the adoption of the peace agreement and

highlighted the establishment of the National Council for Peace, Reconciliation and

Coexistence. It commended the efforts to include gender issues in post-conflict policies.

45. Equatorial Guinea welcomed the peace agreement, which had led to a substantial

drop in indicators of violence, and the provisions for the protection of children. It also

welcomed the adoption of the Children and Adolescents’ Code.

46. Finland thanked Colombia for improving the human rights situation in the country

and congratulated it on the peace agreement. Finland noted that there were challenges

remaining in terms of the implementation of laws, including in relation to sexual and

gender-based violence, and the full protection of human rights defenders.

47. The delegation of Colombia highlighted the implementation of the Comprehensive

System of Truth, Justice, Reparations and Non-repetition. The System included the Special

Jurisdiction for Peace, the Investigation and Indictment Unit, and an extrajudicial

component constituted by the Special Unit for the Search for Persons deemed as missing in

the context of and due to the armed conflict, and the Commission on Truth, Coexistence

and Non-repetition. The System did not provide for amnesty for crimes against humanity,

sexual violence or forced displacement.

48. Measures had been taken to reduce prison overcrowding and improve health care in

prisons. In addition, steps had been taken to increase the use of house arrest, and to

incorporate a differentiated approach to caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

persons who were deprived of their liberty.

49. Almost 3 million victims of the conflict had received some measure of reparation.

Providing collective reparation to more than 600 ethnic and rural communities and social

organizations remained a challenge. Some 89 per cent of victims had been displaced;

almost 4 million of them had received humanitarian aid or assistance from the State, some

500,000 were no longer in a vulnerable situation, and 67,000 families had returned or

relocated.

50. Since the end of the conflict, over 300,000 ha of land had been returned to their

rightful owners. The judicial branch was working to establish the ownership of another

500,000 ha. Progress was being made to guarantee the land rights of Afro-Colombian

communities and more than 50 indigenous peoples by formalizing and protecting

ownership and returning over 2 million ha of land to them. Moreover, land titles of 4

million ha had been given to farmers, 53 per cent of whom were rural women.

51. Some 2,423 investigations were being conducted into deaths that had been

illegitimately presented as casualties in combat (“false positive” killings), with 5,106

soldiers having been brought to trial, including 134 colonels. To date, 1,683 members of the

armed forces had been convicted. Between 2016 and April 2018, the Attorney General’s

Office had received 261 reports of murders of human rights defenders, 41 per cent of which

had been resolved. Progress had been made in terms of resolving cases of murder of trade

unionists, journalists and ex-combatants of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-

People’s Army and their relatives. Progress had also been made in cases involving domestic

violence, sexual violence and human trafficking.

52. As part of its institutional strengthening, the Attorney General’s Office had

increased its presence and citizens’ access to justice in 151 municipalities. In addition, it

had submitted a consolidated report to the Special Jurisdiction for Peace on cases of sexual

violence in the context of the armed conflict. Regarding the use of children in the

commission of crimes, more than 500 convictions had been processed. In the area of

enforced disappearance, 8,990 bodies had been recovered, 4,296 of which had been duly

identified and handed over to family members. The plan for the effective investigation and

prosecution of civil third parties and State agents linked to illegal armed actors, including

financing, had been implemented.

53. The armed forces and the police continued to work together to build and maintain a

culture of respect for human rights through a new comprehensive policy on human rights

and international humanitarian law. The policy included awareness-raising for State agents

on the ethnic and cultural diversity of the population, and for legal advisers on police and

military operations. There was also a sectoral policy with a gender focus within the armed

forces.

54. France noted that the 2016 peace agreement addressed many of the

recommendations Colombia had received in the previous review, and offered support to

continue such efforts.

55. Gabon welcomed the signing of the 2016 peace agreement, the involvement of

women in the negotiation of the agreement, and the integration of the gender perspective in

the master plan for its implementation.

56. Georgia noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disabilities and encouraged Colombia to strengthen its national legal framework to improve

the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

57. Germany appreciated the victim-centred and human rights-based approach of the

final peace agreement between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of

Colombia-People’s Army.

58. Ghana commended Colombia on its National Development Plan for 2014–2018 and

the development of the National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights 2014–2034. It

also commended the key role played by women in the peace process.

59. Guyana congratulated Colombia on the successful signing of the 2016 peace

agreement. It noted with appreciation the Government’s commitment to promoting human

rights-based programmes across all sectors.

60. Haiti noted the progress made by Colombia since the previous review cycle and

highlighted the fact that the signing of the 2016 peace agreement constituted a guarantee for

the effective enjoyment of human rights.

61. The Holy See emphasized the importance of the peace agreement and the need to

work towards reintegrating former combatants, especially children, and providing genuine

justice and reparation to all victims.

62. The Dominican Republic congratulated Colombia on the signing of the peace

agreement.

63. Iceland congratulated Colombia on the signing of the peace agreement, which had

brought an end to over five decades of armed conflict. It welcomed the decisions to approve

marriage equality and adoption by same-sex couples.

64. India appreciated the efforts of Colombia to pursue peacebuilding and to develop a

framework plan for implementing the peace agreement, which would significantly improve

peace, security, human rights and equitable justice for all.

65. Indonesia welcomed the ongoing legal reforms and commended Colombia for

several developments introduced since the second review cycle, such as the National

Development Plan and the National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons.

66. Iraq welcomed the steps the Government had taken to develop comprehensive

policies and an institutional system for the promotion and protection of human rights.

67. Ireland acknowledged the landmark achievement of the peace agreement. However,

it expressed concern about the troubling increase in attacks on human rights defenders and

social leaders, and urged Colombia to strengthen the rule of law.

68. Italy expressed particular appreciation for the inclusion in the National Development

Plan 2014–2018 of guidelines and strategies for consolidating peace and equity and

achieving better quality education.

69. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the commitment of Colombia to a

20-year National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights for 2014–2034 and hailed the

adoption of the National Public Policy on Gender Equity for Women.

70. Lebanon congratulated Colombia on the conclusion of the Final Agreement for

Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. That guaranteed effective

implementation of human rights, especially for victims of the conflict.

71. Malaysia urged the Government to continue to effectively implement the peace

agreement. It appreciated women’s active involvement in the peace process and welcomed

the establishment of a subcommittee on gender.

72. Maldives welcomed the Government’s efforts to cooperate with civil society for the

effective promotion and protection of human rights. It commended the Government for

signing the final agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s

Army.

73. Mexico welcomed the tireless efforts of Colombia to promote peace and wished it

every success in implementing the agreement signed with the Revolutionary Armed Forces

of Colombia. It commended Colombia on accepting a large influx of Venezuelan

immigrants.

74. Montenegro acknowledged the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect human

rights defenders, but was concerned at the persistent widespread impunity for such attacks.

It therefore called on the Government to strengthen the protection afforded to human rights

defenders.

75. Morocco welcomed the new comprehensive policy for human rights and

international humanitarian law and the related monitoring mechanism. It appreciated the

fact that many women had participated in the peace process.

76. Myanmar appreciated the efforts of Colombia to reinforce humanitarian demining

and promote mine risk awareness. Myanmar urged Colombia to further promote mine

clearance by cooperating with humanitarian demining organizations and the United Nations

Mine Action Service.

77. Namibia welcomed recent human rights initiatives, notably the signing and

implementation of the peace agreement, the National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human

Rights 2014–2034 and the National Plan on Business and Human Rights.

78. Nepal congratulated Colombia on the historic peace agreement signed in 2016. It

appreciated the continuous efforts of Colombia to protect human rights through various

measures, particularly the National Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights.

79. The Netherlands congratulated Colombia on the successful demobilization and

disarmament of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which had helped end the

decades-long armed conflict. However, the peace agreement was ambitious, and many

challenges were hampering its full implementation.

80. The Niger congratulated the Government on its efforts to reach a peace agreement

with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, making it possible to end a long-

running conflict and creating new momentum for peace and stability.

81. Nigeria welcomed the adoption by Colombia of the National Strategy to Combat

Trafficking in Persons, the National Public Policy on Gender Equity for Women and the

Comprehensive Plan to Guarantee Women a Life Free from Violence.

82. Norway commended the efforts of the Government to establish peace with the

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the National Liberation Army, which

represented a unique opportunity to strengthen the human rights situation in Colombia.

83. Paraguay stated that the signing and progressive implementation of the Final

Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace allowed

Colombia to send a message of peace and reconciliation to the Human Rights Council and

the world.

84. The delegation of Colombia highlighted the decisions of the Constitutional Court

approving marriage equality and adoption by same-sex couples. The State was committed

to non-regression in the protection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and a

policy was in place guaranteeing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender

persons. Measures were also being taken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Moreover, ethnic communities had been guaranteed the right to prior consultation.

Furthermore, the National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in Persons had been adopted.

85. The delegation stated that 30 per cent of public spending had been allocated to the

education and health of 15 million children and adolescents. The school dropout rate had

fallen to 3 per cent. Some 1.9 million children between the ages of 0 and 5 years old had

been given access to nutrition, education and health services, including vaccinations. About

90 per cent of children in urban and rural areas had received the full complement of

vaccinations. While the rate of chronic malnutrition among children under 5 years old had

fallen, the alarming number of child deaths as a result of malnutrition in La Guajira was a

major challenge that Colombia was working to address. The rate of teenage pregnancy had

fallen; it currently stood at 17 per cent.

86. Policies had been adopted for the eradication of child labour and the prevention of

recruitment of children by illegal armed groups. In addition, Colombia had adopted a

national policy on decent work. During the reporting period, 3.5 million people had found

employment, 74 per cent of them in the formal sector. The rate of unemployment among

women had fallen and the number of attacks against trade unionists had decreased.

87. The delegation stressed the decisive role that women had played in the negotiation

process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and in the implementation of

the peace agreement. The president of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace was a woman, and

53 per cent of magistrates were women. The Special Unit for the Search for Persons

deemed as missing in the context of and due to the armed conflict was also led by a woman.

The National Public Policy on Gender Equity for Women and the Comprehensive Plan to

Guarantee Women a Life Free from Violence were being implemented. Moreover,

measures to improve access to justice for women victims of sexual violence had been

strengthened, femicide had been defined as a specific offence, and the Protocol for

Comprehensive Health Care for Victims of Sexual Violence was being implemented.

88. The “More Women, More Democracy” campaign had resulted in an increase in the

number of women standing for election from 20 to 34 per cent between 2011 and 2018; the

number of women in Congress had risen from 14 to 22 per cent between 2010 and 2018. In

2017, women occupied 43 per cent of management positions in State entities. Some 8.6 per

cent of the armed forces were women.

89. The human rights policy had been developed with the participation of some 9,000

organizations in 2013. Local governments had incorporated actions in their development

plans and more than 50 per cent of those plans had been developed using a human rights-

based approach.

90. Colombia had a National Plan on Business and Human Rights, which was in line

with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United

Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework. Progress was currently made in the

design of the second phase of the National Plan.

91. Based on the peace agreement and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of

Action, Colombia was working on the formulation of the National Human Rights Action

Plan, together with civil society. One of the aspects that had yet to be addressed was

follow-up to international human rights recommendations. The national information system

for monitoring human rights situations had been strengthened with the addition of 40 social,

government and academic observatories.

92. A policy had been adopted on the implementation of the Sustainable Development

Goals. The Government had managed to reduce multidimensional poverty by 13.4 per cent

between 2010 and 2017 and the number of Colombians living in extreme poverty had been

halved over seven years. In 2017, some 49 per cent of total budget spending had been

aimed at reducing poverty.

93. Since 2015, the education sector had ranked first in terms of national budget

allocation. As at March 2018, some 95 per cent of the population was covered by health

system affiliation. Although achievements had been made in terms of reducing maternal

mortality, there was a disparity between urban and rural areas, which mostly affected

indigenous and Afrodescendent communities. In order to improve quality of life,

1.5 million homes had been built, half of which had been provided free of charge or

subsidized.

94. Regulation for environmental protection had been made more rigorous. The current

Government had delimited 30 of the country’s 37 highland areas; 10 ecosystems had been

included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and almost

300,000 km² of land had been declared protected areas (more than 20 per cent of the

national territory). The Government was in the process of ratifying the Paris Agreement on

Climate Change and progress was being made on the adoption of regional instruments, such

as the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in

Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

95. Peru highlighted the efforts made by Colombia to address organized crime in rural

areas where the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia used to exert its

influence. Peru also noted the measures being taken to uphold the rule of law, ensure

respect for human rights and promote access to land in rural areas.

96. The Philippines congratulated Colombia on its historic achievement in forging the

peace agreement and on its successful integration of human rights in its National

Development Plan 2014–2018.

97. Poland acknowledged the efforts of Colombia to comply with the recommendations

it had accepted in 2013, particularly those concerning the protection of women and

children.

98. Portugal commended the Government for its efforts to advance the peace process

and its positive impact on the enjoyment of human rights in the country.

99. Qatar commended the implementation of structural changes and legal reforms in

Colombia in the field of human rights, such as the National Strategy for Guaranteeing

Human Rights 2014–2034.

100. The Republic of Korea appreciated the cooperation of Colombia with international

and regional human rights bodies, its incorporation of a gender perspective in its National

Development Plan, and its formulation of a National Plan on Business and Human Rights.

101. Romania congratulated Colombia for the positive developments since the second

review cycle and for the cooperation with civil society and the international community to

consolidate its human rights policies.

102. The Russian Federation stated that the ceasefire allowed for the improvement of

humanitarian situations in the region. However, the situation remained complicated,

particularly in the light of the number of displaced persons.

103. Senegal welcomed the adoption of the National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in

Persons 2016–2018, the establishment of the National Disability Council and the accession

of Colombia to the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

104. Serbia welcomed the Government’s determination to submit regular reports to the

United Nations human rights bodies and encouraged the authorities to continue to combat

human trafficking.

105. Singapore welcomed efforts to reintegrate former Revolutionary Armed Forces of

Colombia members into society and measures such as the establishment of the

Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparations and Non-repetition. It acknowledged

the critical roles women had played in the peace process.

106. Slovenia welcomed the increase in enrolment in basic schooling and the fall in the

dropout rate in Colombia. However, it was concerned about the significant gaps in

education coverage, mostly affecting the most vulnerable groups in society.

107. Spain noted that Colombia had made progress in terms of women’s rights by

implementing relevant plans and strategies, and by actively participating in the women and

peace and security agenda.

108. Sri Lanka commended Colombia for strengthening its humanitarian demining policy

to support mine victims through the provision of health care, physical rehabilitation,

reparation measures and measures to educate people on mine risks.

109. The State of Palestine congratulated Colombia for signing the historic peace

agreement with the People’s Alternative Revolutionary Force, which would lead to internal

peace and prosperity for the Colombian people.

110. Sweden made recommendations and wished Colombia every success in the current

review and in implementing the recommendations.

111. Switzerland welcomed the progress accomplished in the peace process, while noting

that the participation of numerous groups in the decisions of the State remained insufficient.

112. Thailand acknowledged the efforts of Colombia to eliminate gender-based violence

and the reduction in the maternal and infant mortality rates, but noted that the infant

mortality rate remained high among indigenous groups.

113. Togo appreciated the improvement of the institutional and legislative framework to

protect human rights and encouraged Colombia to continue its efforts to implement

measures for land restitution and compensation procedures for indigenous and Afro-

Colombian people.

114. Tunisia commended the steps taken to develop a human rights system, including the

improvement of the legislative and institutional framework, and valued the efforts made in

the field of the peace agreement.

115. The United Kingdom expressed concern about violence against human rights

defenders and the significant level of impunity in cases of conflict-related sexual violence,

while recognizing the efforts made by Colombia to tackle those challenges.

116. Afghanistan said that the outcomes of the peace process constituted a good practice

in terms of bringing about peace and in terms of justice, truth, reparation and the guarantees

of non-repetition. It stressed the importance of justice for a lasting peace process.

117. The delegation stated that Colombia had ratified the core international human rights

treaties, including the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the Convention on

Cluster Munitions. In addition, the country continued to make contributions to the human

rights protection system. The Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water

and sanitation would be visiting Colombia in 2019.

118. The head of the delegation recognized the importance of international cooperation

for the strengthening of human rights, and reiterated his country’s commitment to facing

challenges. Colombia was willing to share good practices in the areas of business and

human rights, the national information system on human rights and international

humanitarian law and on peacebuilding.

119. He stressed the importance of the universal periodic review for the improvement and

respect of human rights. He thanked the States that had participated in the interactive

dialogue and had acknowledged the progress Colombia had made, highlighted the

importance of the peace agreement and made constructive recommendations for the

consolidation of a culture of human rights.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

120. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Colombia and enjoy the support of Colombia:

120.1 Continue bringing national human rights legislation into line with

international human rights standards (Azerbaijan);

120.2 Commit the necessary legal, institutional and financial resources to

implement the peace agreement without delay in order to achieve sustainable

peace (Australia);

120.3 Include measures aimed at ensuring increasing efficiency and

accountability of public service in its national development agency

(Azerbaijan);

120.4 Continue its efforts to address gaps in the implementation of relevant

policies and legislation in promoting and protecting human rights (Bhutan);

120.5 Strengthen the role of the national reporting and follow-up

mechanism (Egypt);

120.6 Strengthen the follow-up mechanism in the national human rights

framework in order to follow up on the implementation of the

recommendations from the universal periodic review and other mechanisms

(Paraguay);

120.7 Continue to progressively implement the provisions of the National

Strategy for Guaranteeing Human Rights (Lebanon);

120.8 Continue to implement universal periodic review recommendations

through the inclusive participation of all stakeholders, inter alia, the national

human rights institution and civil society (Myanmar);

120.9 Continue peacebuilding efforts by taking all stakeholders on board

(Nepal);

120.10 Continue to mobilize resources and seek the necessary assistance to

enhance its capacity to guarantee the promotion and protection of human

rights (Nigeria);

120.11 Increase transparency in its government procurement procedures,

through for example, public tenders (Republic of Korea);

120.12 Employ the ongoing dialogue process with the National Liberation

Army guerrilla as an opportunity to insist on the necessity of concluding a

humanitarian accord to protect the civilian population in places of conflict

(Austria);

120.13 Allocate appropriate funds in the national budget, and maintain

adequate institutions to put gender equality at the centre of development and

peacebuilding efforts (Canada);

120.14 Continue to implement the peace agreement with particular focus on

transitional justice, truth and reconciliation, the rights of victims, the needs of

indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities and the reintegration of former

combatants (Canada);

120.15 Continue the dialogue process with the National Liberation Army for

a successful political outcome from the conflict, with special consideration for

the situation of children and adolescents (Chile);

120.16 Continue to protect and promote human rights, including within the

framework of the peace agreement (Egypt);

120.17 Ensure the effective implementation of the Final Agreement for

Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, prioritizing

human, technical and financial resources as necessary, in strict application of

the principles of transparency, participation and accountability (Uruguay);

120.18 Continue to redouble efforts to achieve the full implementation of the

peace agreement (Peru);

120.19 Continue implementing actions to contribute to the elimination of all

forms of discrimination and exclusion (Cuba);

120.20 Advance the implementation of public policies that strengthen the

right to equality and non-discrimination, especially among vulnerable groups

(Dominican Republic);

120.21 Redouble efforts to combat racial discrimination, especially against

Afrodescendent populations (Nigeria);

120.22 Invest additional efforts in fighting all forms of discrimination, in

particular against children, women, Afro-Colombians and representatives of

indigenous peoples (Serbia);

120.23 Take further steps and effectively implement the existing measures

aimed at protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons

from discrimination and violence (Czechia);

120.24 Continue and step up efforts to combat stereotypes regarding, and

prejudice against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons

(Iceland);

120.25 Establish mechanisms to obtain disaggregated data on ethnicity,

disability, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, making it possible to

design effective public policies that are non-discriminatory and meet the needs

of marginalized population groups (Mexico);

120.26 Ensure that the design and implementation of development plans are

consistent with popular and prior consultations and are in line with

international standards (Mexico);

120.27 Develop alternative penal procedures to control prison overcrowding

(Turkey);

120.28 Strengthen prison policies and conditions of detention (Peru);

120.29 Adopt effective measures to reduce prison overcrowding in

accordance with international norms (Algeria);

120.30 Strengthen efforts to protect activists and investigate alleged human

rights violations and abuses, including by implementing guidelines set out in the

Attorney General’s directive 002/2017 (Australia);

120.31 Ensure effective justice for all survivors of sexual violence in armed

conflict, committed by legal and illegal armed actors (Croatia);

120.32 Review and strengthen mechanisms for effective information sharing

to ensure judicial investigations of killings, threats and intimidation faced by

individuals in the peace process (Denmark);

120.33 Promptly hold accountable those responsible for attacks on human

rights defenders and members of vulnerable groups (United States of America);

120.34 Intensify efforts to investigate and prosecute all those responsible for

extrajudicial killings, including commanders (United States of America);

120.35 Continue the internal institutional processes in the light of the

democratic process, transitional justice and respect for human rights (El

Salvador);

120.36 Guarantee continuity in the application of the Victims and Land

Restitution Act, as well as the measures of comprehensive reparation for the

victims of the internal armed conflict (El Salvador);

120.37 Ensure that judicial authorities conduct, in accordance with

international law standards, full, prompt and impartial criminal investigations

and prosecutions of crimes under international law and human rights abuses

against human rights defenders (Finland);

120.38 Combat impunity for the crimes committed during the conflict by

guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary (France);

120.39 Improve the effectiveness of the procedures for the restitution of

lands despoiled during the conflict by increasing the resources of the competent

institutions (France);

120.40 Take effective measures to fight the widespread impunity and

especially investigate and prosecute human rights violations and infractions of

international humanitarian law by, inter alia, increasing the number of judicial

police officers, prosecutors and judges dealing with such crimes (Germany);

120.41 Ensure that all perpetrators of attacks and threats against human

rights defenders are brought to justice (Montenegro);

120.42 Continue to guarantee sufficient funding for the Special Jurisdiction

for Peace, the Commission on Truth, Coexistence and Non-repetition and the

Special Unit for the Search for Persons deemed as missing in the context of and

due to the armed conflict, for the duration of their mandates, and guarantee the

conditions that enable them to operate independently (Netherlands);

120.43 Implement the Transitional Justice System, the Commission on

Truth, Coexistence and Non-repetition and the Special Unit for the Search for

Persons deemed as missing in the context of and due to the armed conflict, as

agreed in the peace agreement (Norway);

120.44 Ensure access to justice for victims of the armed conflict, particularly

women and indigenous people, and guarantee their right to truth and

comprehensive reparation (Philippines);

120.45 Increase efforts to implement the provisions on transitional justice in

the peace agreement with the People’s Alternative Revolutionary Force,

especially on the establishment of a functional special court for peace (Republic

of Korea);

120.46 Continue to make progress in ensuring that human rights violations

are investigated, judged and punished by using criminal procedures to avoid

impunity and to ensure the application of international law and international

humanitarian law principles (Spain);

120.47 Introduce alternative methods to detention to reduce prison

occupancy rates and step up efforts to implement the Nelson Mandela Rules

and the Bangkok Rules (Thailand);

120.48 Continue substantial efforts to consolidate the policy of peace, the

entrenchment of democracy and the rule of law, an indispensable factor for the

exercise and respect of human rights (Togo);

120.49 Enhance relevant investigative and victim support expertise in the

judicial system to increase prosecutions in cases of conflict-related sexual

violence and reduce the high impunity rate for such cases (United Kingdom of

Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

120.50 Take further steps to investigate and duly punish human rights

violators (Argentina);

120.51 Redouble efforts to investigate threats and acts of violence against

human rights defenders and punish perpetrators of such acts (Argentina);

120.52 Take further measures to guarantee reparations for child victims of

the conflict and ensure access to justice for victims of sexual violence, including

indigenous and Afro-Colombian women, and women living in rural areas

(Australia);

120.53 Improve its land restitution processes in order to provide timely

justice for victims, as previously recommended (Australia);

120.54 Continue efforts to improve the rehabilitation and reintegration of

landmine victims as well as to promote awareness programmes for mine risk

(Myanmar);

120.55 Ensure that human rights defenders are protected while carrying out

their important work and the judicial authorities conduct full and impartial

criminal investigations so that perpetrators are held accountable (Austria);

120.56 Recognize and actively support the work of human rights defenders,

including women human rights defenders, with specific measures to put an end

to impunity for the violence committed against them and ensure the effective

implementation of the existing protection mechanisms (Belgium);

120.57 Strengthen the programme on prevention and protection that

includes victims of armed conflicts, human rights defenders, journalists, trade

union leaders, land claimants and political leaders (Plurinational State of

Bolivia);

120.58 Take further actions to improve the prevention of, and response to,

threats, attacks and killings of human rights defenders and social leaders,

through strengthening security, timely investigations and addressing impunity

(Canada);

120.59 Take effective measures to combat the killing of human rights

defenders and bring the perpetrators to justice (Congo);

120.60 Strengthen the existing mechanisms for the protection of human

rights defenders, focusing on rural areas and territories where illicit economies

flourish (Costa Rica);

120.61 Take the necessary measures to increase the political participation of

women, in particular in legislative bodies (Costa Rica);

120.62 Step up efforts to prevent killings and attacks on human rights

defenders and ensure full investigation of these crimes (Czechia);

120.63 Work with civil society to strengthen protection for members of

vulnerable communities by implementing effective collective protection

schemes tailored to ethnicity, gender and regional circumstances (United States

of America);

120.64 Protect, in collaboration with civil society, human rights defenders

(France);

120.65 Ensure that activists, human rights defenders and other social and

community leaders, especially in rural areas, are equally and effectively

protected also in view of the current challenges facing the implementation of

the final peace accord, by, inter alia, ensuring an effective presence of

government institutions in all areas of the country (Germany);

120.66 Consider establishing a protection programme for women rights

defenders, taking into account their needs and realities from a gender-

differentiated perspective, and allocate adequate financial and human

resources for its implementation (Ghana);

120.67 Ensure the continuation of current measures to safeguard the work

of human rights defenders and the ongoing judicial investigations into the

murders of human rights defenders (Uruguay);

120.68 Continue to promote actions, through the National Reincorporation

Council, to consolidate the efforts of reintegration and political participation

(Dominican Republic);

120.69 Continue efforts to strengthen the institutional framework to protect

and guarantee the work of defenders and social leaders (Dominican Republic);

120.70 Take all measures to protect human rights defenders and ensure that

perpetrators of threats and attacks are brought to justice (Ireland);

120.71 Take steps to ensure the effective protection of human rights

defenders and of persons belonging to minorities and indigenous peoples

(Italy);

120.72 Take further measures to prevent systematic violence against local

leaders and human rights defenders, improve individual and collective

protection of those at risk, and focus on investigating and prosecuting the

intellectual authors of the threats and killings (Netherlands);

120.73 Prevent and investigate all attacks against human rights defenders

and community leaders, including trade unionists, indigenous leaders and

environmentalist defenders, and bring those responsible to justice (Norway);

120.74 Give greater consideration to human rights defenders, including

female defenders and youth-led organizations engaged in the defence and

promotion of human rights (Poland);

120.75 Effectively ensure the safety of human rights defenders, including by

conducting detailed investigations into the attacks against them (Republic of

Korea);

120.76 Reinforce measures to protect human rights defenders and to fight

impunity for attacks against human rights defenders (Slovenia);

120.77 Ensure that human rights defenders are able to carry out their work

free from intimidation, threats, harassment and attacks and guarantee their

safety, especially those working in rural conflict-prone areas (Sweden);

120.78 Advance in the recognition and protection of human rights defenders,

avoiding their criminalization and fighting impunity (Spain);

120.79 Fully implement the existing law pertaining to women’s participation

in elections (Sweden);

120.80 Develop in a participatory manner differentiated measures for

collective protection in relation to the communities concerned (Switzerland);

120.81 Implement a comprehensive protection system for human rights

defenders, especially for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, backed

by public statements that promote the role of human rights defenders (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

120.82 Ensure the effective participation of women in the implementation of

the peace agreement, in line with Security Council resolution 1325 (2000)

(Ukraine);

120.83 Ensure the participation of women in the implementation process of

the contents the peace agreement (Afghanistan);

120.84 Intensify efforts to address more systematically human rights

violations related to drug trafficking and organized crime (Cyprus);

120.85 Pursue efforts to implement legal and policy measures on trafficking,

labour and exploitation of children (Gabon);

120.86 Continue to implement measures to counter trafficking in persons

and other forms of modern slavery (Holy See);

120.87 Strengthen the implementation of preventive measures and capacity-

building, as stipulated in its National Strategy to Combat Trafficking in

Persons 2016–2018 (Indonesia);

120.88 Intensify efforts to reduce trafficking in persons (Iraq);

120.89 Continue efforts to enhance international, regional and bilateral

cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination to prevent

trafficking in persons through information exchange aimed at prosecuting

traffickers (Maldives);

120.90 Continue efforts to combat human trafficking (Morocco);

120.91 Intensify its efforts through bilateral, regional and international

cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination to prevent human

trafficking by exchanging information and harmonizing procedures to

prosecute traffickers (Algeria);

120.92 Enhance cooperation at the regional and multilateral levels to

address trafficking in persons (Guyana);

120.93 Fight more effectively against trafficking in children and Afro-

Colombian people (Senegal);

120.94 Step up the actions taken to combat trafficking in persons, especially

women (Angola);

120.95 Continue the efforts to combat trafficking in human beings (Tunisia);

120.96 Increase training and capacity to deliver the national action plan on

human trafficking, specifically techniques to identify patterns in cases of

children and women victims which lead to investigation and prosecution of the

responsible criminal groups (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

120.97 Continue efforts aimed at eliminating child labour (Georgia);

120.98 Promote equal employment opportunities between men and women

and reduce the wage gap between them (Iraq);

120.99 Continue to promote economic and social sustainable development,

eradicate poverty and raise people’s living standard (China);

120.100 Continue to invest in, and expand the coverage of, poverty reduction

programmes to cover the most vulnerable groups, including older persons

(Singapore);

120.101 Continue to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable

populations, especially in areas of chronic insecurity with pockets of extreme

poverty (France);

120.102 Continue taking positive measures to better protect people’s rights to

education, health, employment and others (China);

120.103 Pursue social reforms to reduce the gap between urban and rural

areas (Gabon);

120.104 Strengthen efforts at addressing the situation of food insecurity,

particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific Regions (Guyana);

120.105 Make maximum effort to ensure the access of the population of

regions in complicated internal political situations to justice, health and

education (Russian Federation);

120.106 Implement and strengthen programmes to reduce maternal

mortality, with emphasis on the rural population, indigenous peoples and

people of African descent (Brazil);

120.107 Continue to take concrete measures to reduce the high rates of

maternal and infant mortality by improving access to quality health services

(Sri Lanka);

120.108 Allocate additional human and financial resources to achieve goals

for the reduction of maternal mortality, especially in conflict-torn rural areas,

with due attention given to indigenous women (Honduras);

120.109 Improve access to health services with a view to reducing the infant

mortality rate, particularly among indigenous groups, and to ensure

vaccination on schedule for children (Thailand);

120.110 Redouble efforts to provide access to health care in rural areas,

especially areas with indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations (Honduras);

120.111 Ensure that women and adolescents have access to sexual education

and free and friendly reproductive health services (Honduras);

120.112 Strengthen health information services, particularly with regard to

sexual and reproductive health, and ensure that they are accessible to young

people and persons with disabilities (Mexico);

120.113 Guarantee universal access to health and education services for

adolescents and children of both sexes (State of Palestine);

120.114 Guarantee full access to safe abortion, within the existing legal

framework, in all regions of the country (Denmark);

120.115 Ensure universal access to health services for adolescent girls and

boys (Ghana);

120.116 Ensure the implementation of the resolution of the Ministry of

Health, based on a dialogue with civil society and persons with disabilities, to

guarantee appropriate and dignified access to sexual and reproductive health

services for women and girls with disabilities (Uruguay);

120.117 Provide access to basic health care, especially in rural areas, so as to

reduce maternal and infant mortality (Holy See);

120.118 Strengthen cultural development to seek the social transformation

and cultural changes that the country requires in order to advance in national

reconciliation (Cuba);

120.119 In follow up to the recommendations in paragraphs 116.28 and

116.111 of the report from the second cycle (A/HRC/24/6), increase investments

in the field of public education for Afrodescendent minorities (Haiti);

120.120 Improve access to, and the quality of, education for children,

especially for those living in rural areas and those belonging to minorities (Holy

See);

120.121 Continue the ongoing efforts to establish and strengthen the

education plan in the field of human rights (Qatar);

120.122 Further strengthen efforts to enhance education to improve literacy

rates (Sri Lanka);

120.123 Redouble efforts to eliminate structural discrimination against

women in society via a global strategy with concrete, effective measures to

reduce discriminatory stereotypes (Honduras);

120.124 Continue efforts to achieve equality and prevent discrimination

against women and strengthen the legal framework for their protection

(Lebanon);

120.125 Continue efforts to combat discrimination and violence against

women (Morocco);

120.126 Intensify efforts to improve the rights of women in all aspects of life

by effectively addressing deep-rooted gender stereotypes as well as sexual and

gender-based violence (Namibia);

120.127 Continue efforts to combat discrimination against women and to

protect women against all forms of violence (Tunisia);

120.128 Redouble efforts to ensure in practice, progress towards gender

equality as enshrined in legislation (Uruguay);

120.129 Strengthen its legislative and institutional framework to effectively

combat sexual and gender-based violence (Côte d’Ivoire);

120.130 Combat impunity in cases of violence against women and strengthen

the effective implementation of the existing policies in this field, especially

regarding access to justice and health care (Belgium);

120.131 Step up efforts to protect women’s rights by all actors in situations of

conflict, including taking effective measures to address the prevalence of sexual

violence against women and girls, particularly rape (Botswana);

120.132 Pay special attention to the most vulnerable parts of the population,

in particular, women and children who suffered most from the conflict

(Ukraine);

120.133 Continue the fight against gender-based discrimination and violence,

improve the mechanism of prevention of victims (Czechia);

120.134 Strengthen administrative, legislative and judicial mechanisms to

ensure women’s right to live free from violence and discrimination, in

accordance with international human rights standards (Finland);

120.135 Better combat sexual and gender-based violence and ensure access to

justice for victims (France);

120.136 Step up efforts to further promote women’s rights and prevent sexual

violence (Georgia);

120.137 Ensure that the voices of women victims of sexual violence are heard

and that they can participate under equal conditions in all the implementation

of the peace agreement (Iceland);

120.138 Strengthen administrative, legislative and judicial mechanisms to

ensure women’s right to be free from violence and discrimination, in

accordance with international human rights standards (Iceland);

120.139 Intensify efforts to address violence against women and continue to

work to ensure full application of the laws against the perpetrators of such

violence (Ireland);

120.140 Step up efforts to prevent sexual violence against women and

children and strengthen measures for the rehabilitation of boys and girls

affected by armed conflict (Italy);

120.141 Make progress in the prevention and eradication of the different

forms of violence against women and children (Bolivarian Republic of

Venezuela);

120.142 Continue to tackle sexual violence against women to ensure

protection of women’s rights (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

120.143 Continue taking effective measures to prevent sexual violence against

women, and ensure that all cases of sexual violence are investigated and

perpetrators are brought to justice in a timely manner and victims are

provided with support, including medical and psychosocial services (Malaysia);

120.144 Strengthen measures to prevent and punish domestic violence and

violence against women, including by improving the investigation, prosecution

and prevention of rape and sexual violence against girls (Norway);

120.145 Continue its efforts to implement legal protection measures for

women victims of all forms of violence and to ensure that their voices, especially

in cases of sexual violence, are heard (Poland);

120.146 Further strengthen its legal framework to protect women’s rights, in

particular to combat sexual violence and domestic violence (Singapore);

120.147 Strengthen the mechanisms to guarantee the right of women to live a

life free of violence and discrimination and ensure the application of the gender

approach in the implementation of peace agreements (Spain);

120.148 Fight impunity and prosecute those responsible for violence,

including sexual and gender-based violence, against women and girls (Sweden);

120.149 Continue measures to effectively combat sexual and gender-based

violence (Nepal);

120.150 Continue assistance and promotion on women’s empowerment in

both the public and private sectors (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

120.151 Ensure the real and effective participation of women in the

implementation of the peace agreement (State of Palestine);

120.152 Continue its efforts to effectively apply the Children and Adolescents’

Code (Equatorial Guinea);

120.153 Continue to implement the measures aimed at developing and

strengthening the institutional framework with a view to protecting and

ensuring the rights of children (Romania);

120.154 Ensure that the rights of children and adolescents, in particular those

who have been victims of forced recruitment and used by illegal armed groups,

are fully protected and that their special vulnerability is taken into account

during their reincorporation into civil society (Austria);

120.155 Strengthen targeted rehabilitation and reinsertion programmes for

demobilized children and adolescents from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of

Colombia, in line with international standards and the principles provided for

in the peace accord (Belgium);

120.156 Strengthen programmes aimed at processing the cases of girls

recruited by armed groups who have been victims of sexual or gender-based

violence (Costa Rica);

120.157 Take further measures to protect and safeguard all rights of children

(Namibia);

120.158 Formulate a national plan to address violence against children that

will include aspects of prevention, protection and reparations and that will aim

at strengthening families (Poland);

120.159 Continue to adopt all measures to ensure that the Children and

Adolescent’s Code is effectively implemented (Portugal);

120.160 Continue the efforts to protect children from sexual exploitation

(Tunisia);

120.161 Intensify efforts to end the recruitment of children and adolescents

by illegal armed groups and to ensure the reintegration and rehabilitation of

demobilized children (France);

120.162 Intensify efforts to counter the practice of forced recruitment of

children (Italy);

120.163 Continue to strengthen efforts to prevent the recruitment and

exploitation of children and provide them with all forms of support and care

and assistance (Lebanon);

120.164 Continue to give priority to the rights of the child in all areas of the

peace agreement’s implementation (Qatar);

120.165 Improve the treatment provided to mine victims, especially children

and adolescents (Angola);

120.166 Redouble efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against

minorities and indigenous peoples (Congo);

120.167 Strengthen measures to combat more effectively discrimination

against people of African descent and indigenous people (Senegal);

120.168 Take and implement further measures to protect minority groups,

including indigenous and Afro-Colombian peoples, against racial and other

discrimination (Namibia);

120.169 Combat discrimination against Afro-Colombians and indigenous

people, and against persons with disabilities, especially women and children

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

120.170 Continue the process of restitution of land and territorial rights to the

indigenous communities, peasants and other people working in rural areas

(Plurinational State of Bolivia);

120.171 Provide adequate funding, in consultation with the communities

concerned, to ensure the full implementation of the ethnic chapter of the 2016

peace agreement (Haiti);

120.172 Take all necessary measures to protect and assist Afro-Colombian

authorities and organizations in the advancement of their collective demands in

relation to the restitution of their lands (Haiti);

120.173 Ensure that indigenous and rural communities can express their free

and informed consent prior to any measure that may affect their lives and their

ancestral land (Holy See);

120.174 Continue strengthening the mechanisms for prior consultation with

indigenous and Afrodescendent peoples, as well as popular consultations, in the

light of the peace agreement (Peru);

120.175 Guarantee timely access to justice for indigenous peoples, Afro-

Colombians and Romani people, as well as redouble efforts to ensure the full

participation of the Afro-Colombians in institutions and decision-making (State

of Palestine);

120.176 Review mechanisms enabling effective participation in decisions of

the State, particularly for indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities

(Switzerland);

120.177 Expedite the adoption of implementing regulations regarding the

rights of persons with disabilities (Indonesia);

120.178 Further promote the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples,

particularly in the core sectors (Niger);

120.179 Harmonize legislation to fully respect the rights of persons with

disabilities, especially the right to health (Peru);

120.180 Take the necessary action to ensure the enrolment of persons with

disabilities at all levels of education (Afghanistan);

120.181 Continue making every effort to ensure the safe, dignified and

sustainable return of displaced persons to their homes (Azerbaijan);

120.182 Increase its efforts to protect and safeguard the human rights of the

civilian population in border areas, within the framework of international

cooperation (Ecuador);

120.183 Intensify the government presence in the rural areas whose

communities are victims of abuses, such as forced displacement, as well as

targets of violence perpetrated by criminal organizations (Italy).

121. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below

have been examined by Colombia and have been noted by Colombia:

121.1 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Austria)

(Denmark) (Germany) (Niger) (Portugal) (Togo) (Turkey) (Zambia);

121.2 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and establish

the corresponding national preventive mechanism (Brazil);

121.3 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Chile) (Ghana) (Peru) (Slovenia);

121.4 Accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, establish a

national preventive mechanism accordingly and effectively investigate reported

acts of torture (Czechia);

121.5 Consider acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against

Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

(Sri Lanka) (Tunisia);

121.6 Adhere to Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Spain);

121.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the

Child on a communications procedure (Germany);

121.8 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Niger) (Portugal);

121.9 Consider ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Chile);

121.10 Consider becoming a party to the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Cyprus);

121.11 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal) (Zambia);

121.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil

and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights

of the Child (Togo);

121.13 Ratify other international human rights treaties to which it is not yet

a party (Philippines);

121.14 Accede to and fully implement the 1954 Convention relating to the

Status of Stateless Persons (Philippines);

121.15 Accept the request from the Special Rapporteur on violence against

women, its causes and consequences, to undertake an official mission to the

country shortly (Uruguay);

121.16 Implement two recommendations which Colombia accepted linked to

special procedures to invite the Special Rapporteur on violence against women

(Zambia);

121.17 Introduce a comprehensive definition of racial discrimination in its

legislation, in accordance with article 1 of the International Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Botswana);

121.18 Adopt in its legislation a definition of racial discrimination in line

with article 1 (1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All

Forms of Racial Discrimination (Côte d’Ivoire);

121.19 Redouble efforts to decrease overcrowding in prisons of 47.8 per cent

and address the precarious health-care situation in those institutions

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

121.20 Ensure that there is no impunity and those responsible for political

crimes are punished, including those for “false positives”, for more than 5,000

mass graves found and more than 9,000 of victims of paramilitary activity

(Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

121.21 Respect due process and the right to defence of persons deprived of

their liberty, especially those who are in such a condition because of the critical

political and social situation (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

121.22 Take effective steps to address the prolonged humanitarian crisis,

caused by the armed conflict affecting millions of people, especially women and

children, as indicated in reports of the United Nations agencies and civil society

organizations (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

121.23 Establish an independent and impartial application and decision-

making procedure for implementing the right to conscientious objection to

military service (Croatia);

121.24 Prohibit corporal punishment in all settings (Namibia);

121.25 Stipulate 18 years as the minimum age of marriage for all children

(Namibia);

121.26 Prohibit corporal punishment of children in all settings, including at

home (Montenegro);

121.27 Put in place legal measures to prevent the recruitment of children

into the armed forces (Turkey);

121.28 Promote efforts to establish guarantees of reparation and

reintegration of Colombian refugees abroad who wish to return voluntarily to

the country, through the Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparations

and Non-repetition (Paraguay).

122. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

III. Voluntary pledges and commitments

123. Colombia assumed the following voluntary commitments:

123.1 Continue the adoption of measures required for the protection of

human rights defenders in Colombia;

123.2 Continue the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the

Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the National

Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army;

123.3 Continue the peace negotiation process with the National Liberation

Army;

123.4 Initiate the second phase of the National Plan on Business and

Human Rights;

123.5 Continue the promotion of a culture on human rights, as an

indispensable base for a real reconciliation.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Colombia was headed by His Excellency Guillermo Rivera Flores,

Minister of the Interior, and composed of the following members:

• Sra. Adriana Mendoza Agudelo, Viceministra de Asuntos Multilaterales;

• Sra. Paula Gaviria Betancur, Consejera Presidencial para los Derechos Humanos;

• Sra. Yolanda Pinto, Directora de la Unidad para la Atención y Reparación Integral a

las Víctimas;

• Sra. Karen Abudinen Abuchaibe, Directora del Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar

Familiar;

• Sra. Digna Isabel Durán Murillo, Directora de Justicia Transicional del Ministerio de

Justicia y del Derecho;

• Coronel Marco Antonio Castillo, Director de Derechos Humanos y Derecho

Internacional Humanitario del Ministerio de Defensa;

• Sr. Luis González León, Director de la Dirección Delegada para la Seguridad

Ciudadana de la Fiscalía General de la Nación;

• Sra. Gloria Gaviria Ramos, Jefe de la Oficina de Cooperación y Relaciones

Internacionales del Ministerio de Trabajo;

• Sra. Viviana Ferro, Subdirectora de la Unidad para la Atención y Reparación

Integral a las Víctimas;

• Sra. Kandya Obezo, Subdirectora de Educación y Participación del Ministerio de

Ambiente;

• Sr. David Andrés Gómez Fajardo, Asesor del Despacho del Ministro de Justicia y

del Derecho;

• Sr. Rafael Blanco, Asesor de la Consejería Presidencial para los Derechos Humanos;

• Sr. Luis Carlos Londoño Vargas, Asesor del Despacho del Ministro de Agricultura y

Desarrollo Rural;

• Sra. Adriana Vanessa Meza Consuegra, Asesora de la Dirección General del

Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar;

• S.E. Beatriz Londoño Soto, Embajadora Representante Permanente de Colombia

ante las Naciones Unidas;

• Sr. Luis Antonio Dimaté Cárdenas, Ministro Plenipotenciario;

• Sra. Alicia Alejandra Alfaro Castillo, Ministra Plenipotenciaria;

• Sr. Juan Camilo Saretzki Forero, Ministro Consejero;

• Sr. Juan Carlos Moreno Gutiérrez, Segundo Secretario;

• Sra. Natalia María Pulido Sierra, Segunda Secretaria;

• Sra. Diana Esperanza Castillo Castro, Segunda Secretaria;

• S.E. Julián Jaramillo Escobar, Embajador de Colombia en Berna;

• Sr. Carlos Barragán Vega, Ministro Plenipotenciario.