The following parliamentary questions have been submitted in the British parliament by Labour Party MP Jo Stevens, who is also chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Colombia, a cross-party group of more than 60 MPs.
Read the full transcript of questions and answers below.
17 October 2019
Jo Stevens MP (Labour Party)
Despite the 2016 Colombia peace agreement, murders of trade unionists, human rights defenders and community leaders continue in very large numbers. Can the Secretary of State assure the House that there will be no free trade agreement with Colombia until it fully complies with its international human rights obligations?
Elizabeth Truss, Minister for Women and Equalities
To be frank, a free trade deal with Colombia is not one of our urgent priorities.
Jo Stevens MP (Labour Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Colombian counterpart to investigate the assertion by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace that between 500 and 600 people could be buried in unmarked graves in the zone of the Hidroituango construction project.
Christopher Pincher, Minister for Europe and the Americas
We are aware of the ongoing investigation by Colombia’s Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) into the possibility of unmarked graves in the construction zone of the Hidroituango dam project. It would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of an ongoing investigation by the JEP. The United Kingdom has provided financial and public support to Colombia’s transitional justice system since it was set up. We continue to work closely with the Colombian government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.
21 October 2019
Jo Stevens MP (Labour Party)
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of (a) the accuracy of reports of attacks in Colombia on the headquarters of opposition parties by right wing paramilitary groups and (b) the adequacy of the Colombian’s Government’s response to those attacks; and if he will make a statement.
Christopher Pincher, Minister for Europe and the Americas
We are concerned by reports of violence against political groups as Colombia prepares for regional elections on 27 October. The United Kingdom is supportive of the Colombian authorities as they seek to ensure sustainable peace in Colombia, and we will continue to work closely with the Colombian government and civil society on the peace process and related matters.