There have been a series of questions from MPs in relation to recent violence and concerns about threats to the Colombian peace process.
4 November 2019
Helen Goodman, Shadow Minister (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps is he taking to help mitigate the environmental impact of UK mining companies operating in Colombia.
Christopher Pincher, Minister of State
The Government does not specifically undertake work with UK mining companies in Colombia to mitigate their environmental impact. We expect them to comply fully with local environmental standards.
More broadly, the United Kingdom remains steadfast in its support to the Colombian Government in its efforts to safeguard the country’s environmental assets.
We are committed to helping Colombia protect its unique ecosystem, reduce emissions and adapt to climate change risks. During President Duque’s visit in June this year, the United Kingdom and Colombia launched a new Partnership for Sustainable Growth, with the United Kingdom committing a further £8.5 million to climate-related projects in Colombia. Through the International Climate Fund, the United Kingdom has invested US$165 million since 2010 to support Colombia’s efforts in the agendas of climate change and green growth.
1 November 2019
Chris Matheson, Shadow Minister (Cabinet Office)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart to investigate the reported murders of (a) Alberto Armando Sánchez, (b) Fernando Salcedo and (c) Cristian Sánchez by paramilitaries in northern Colombia on 30 September 2019.
Christopher Pincher, Minister of State
We are saddened by the reported murders of Alberto Armando Sánchez, Fernando Salcedo and Cristian Sánchez. We share the concern of the Colombian Government that organised armed groups continue to operate in large parts of Colombia, and at the impact their activities continue to have on people’s lives, and on the ability of the state, civil society and business to operate and develop.
We remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia, and will continue to work closely with the Colombian government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.
Neil Coyle Labour, Bermondsey and Old Southwark
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the UK Government is taking to support the Colombian Government in assisting former guerrilla fighters transition to civilian life in that country.
Christopher Pincher, Minister of State
The United Kingdom welcomes the Colombian Government’s longstanding commitment to assisting former guerrilla fighters transition to civilian life.
We remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia, committing almost £45 million over 5 years through the UK Conflict Stability and Security Fund for Colombia to support development across conflict-affected regions. A proportion of these funds have directly supported the reintegration of ex-combatants into civilian and political life through programmes to train ex-combatants and host communities in income-generating activities; helping the FARC establish a humanitarian demining organisation; supporting ex-combatants and communities to work together to protect the environment; and building the Government’s capacity to ensure the safety of former fighters. We will continue to work closely with the Colombian government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.
24 October 2019
Catherine West Labour, Hornsey and Wood Green
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment the Government has made as pen holder of UN Security Council Resolution 2487 of the implications for its policies of Colombia’s Interchurch Commission of Justice and Peace report that (a) non-state armed groups continue to operate freely in Colombia and (b) that operation is a breach of the 2016 peace agreement.
Christopher Pincher, Minister of State
We share the concerns of the Interchurch Justice and Peace Commission regarding continuing violence in Colombia. We are aware of reports that armed groups are operating in contravention of the peace agreement, and that the government is taking measures to tackle the problem. We consistently raise these issues with the Colombian Government and in multilateral fora. Most recently, our Permanent Representative to the United Nations raised this issue at the UN Security Council on 11 October.
President Duque’s Government has publicly committed to implementing the Peace Accords of 2016, and we remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia. We will continue to work closely with the Colombian government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.
Patrick Grady, SNP Chief Whip
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of reports by the National Indigenous Association of Colombia that 97 indigenous leaders were murdered between August 2018 and August 2019; and if he will make a statement.
Christopher Pincher, Minister of State
We are aware of reports that organised armed groups operate in large parts of Colombia, fighting for control over illegal economies. We share the concerns of the National Indigenous Association of Colombia about the effect this is having on indigenous communities.
We remain steadfast in our support of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia, and will continue to work closely with the Colombian Government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.
For further questions asked over recent weeks see here: