Colombia: Arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings in Colombia

[Judi Lynn]

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2008
Colombia: Arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings in Colombia

Colombia faces grave human rights challenges in its ongoing conflict, including hostage-taking, extrajudicial executions and arbitrary arrest and detention, despite measures taken by the Government to protect vulnerable groups, the United Nations rights chief says after visiting the Andean country.

“The systematic, protracted and widespread taking of hostages, kept under the most inhuman conditions, could be considered as a crime against humanity,” Navi Pillay told reporters in Bogotá on Saturday as she wrapped up a six-day visit to Colombia.

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Both in Bogotá and Arauca, she heard accounts of people who were arrested and detained, often for two years or more, “on the basis of not always well-founded accusations.”

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On the issue of extrajudicial executions, Ms. Pillay urged the Ministry of Defence to continue working so that central orders are enforced at the operational level. She said she was encouraged by Mr. Uribe’s decision last week to dismiss three army generals and 24 other officers over the alleged illegal killing of civilians.

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In addition, reparation for victims should include a land restitution programme for those who lost their land and benefit equally victims of illegal groups as well as State agents.

She also expressed alarm that illegal armed groups continue to victimize and target the civilian population.

More:
http://ionglobaltrends.blogspot.com/2008/11/colombia-arbitrary-arrests-and.html