“Amnesty International reports and campaigns to end all human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law, regardless of the identity and affiliation of the perpetrators. Most Amnesty International reports and actions on Colombia highlight abuses committed by all the parties to the conflict – the Colombian security forces, the paramilitaries and guerrilla groups. Sometimes Amnesty International addresses particular actors. Given the significance of the current paramilitary demobilization process on issues such as truth, justice and reparation, and on impunity, this report examines cases of abuses committed by the paramilitaries, acting either alone or in conjunction with the security forces. There is abundant evidence that other actors, including the guerrilla, are responsible for committing serious abuses against the civilian population. Amnesty International will continue to document these abuses, to condemn them, and to call for those responsible to be held accountable.” The Paramilitaries in Medellín: Demobilization or Legalization? Introduction, pg. 4.

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La Oficina en Colombia del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos ha dado atento seguimiento durante los últimos dos años a las diferentes propuestas relativas a un marco legal necesario para las negociaciones entre el Gobierno y los grupos armados ilegales, destinadas a superar el conflicto interno armado y a promover el desarme, la desmovilización y la reinserción colectiva de los miembros de estos grupos, incluyendo el desmonte efectivo de las estructuras ilegales.

La Oficina, en desarrollo de su mandato y de su función de asesoría, ha destacado la importancia y la urgencia de establecer con claridad los puntos y mecanismos apropiados para que el marco jurídico sea adecuado, evite la impunidad y permita la reconciliación nacional. Para lograr estos propósitos, Colombia debe contar con una ley que honre cuidadosamente los derechos a la verdad, a la justicia y a la reparación de las víctimas.

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El empeño del presidente Álvaro Uribe por buscar la reelección en el 2006 mediante una enmienda constitucional que permita que un presidente en ejercicio presente su candidatura es un acto arriesgado que podría debilitar las instituciones democráticas. Frente al persistente conflicto armado con dos grupos insurgentes, la desmovilización pendiente de miles de combatientes paramilitares y una próspera industria de narcotráfico, Colombia debe fortalecer sus defensas militares y policiales más allá de las próximas elecciones. Sin embargo, también debe consolidar el Estado de derecho poniendo fin a la impunidad, y avanzar en materia de desarrollo rural y en la protección de los grupos especialmente vulnerables con el fin de enfrentar a los insurgentes con fundamentos políticos.

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As foreign aid, drug money, and corruption bolster the armed forces, guerrillas, and paramilitaries, the armed conflict in Colombia continues to intensify in scope and brutality.

A recent delegation to Colombia heard reports that security for much of the civilian population has deteriorated, political space for legitimate dissent and the defense of basic human rights is being undermined, and dire human needs continue to go unaddressed, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis.

The delegation found that in Colombia a vibrant civil society is engaged in a search for peace. Despite the stalling of the national peace process, civil society continues to find ways to encourage peace and development, even in the midst of life-threatening conflict. Churches, non-governmental groups, and local and regional authorities are designing and implementing programs that offer alternatives to violence. Some are engaging in dialogues with local paramilitary and guerrilla forces to establish zones of peace that the armed actors agree to respect. These local and regional peace initiatives are laying the groundwork for confidence-building measures that could lead to broader initiatives for peace at the national level.

There is much the United States could do to improve the chances of reconciliation in Colombia while at the same time more effectively pursuing its counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism agenda. It can, for example, support efforts to address basic human needs (such as access to food, water, clothing, shelter, and employment), provide alternate development options, and support effective demobilization programs. If due process and accountability are to prevail over armed conflict and personalized violence, re-establishing the rule of law and creating conditions that will increase confidence in the judicial system are also essential.

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Informe del Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos, sobre la situación de los Derechos Humanos en Colombia

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Report of an Independent Commission Sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations Center for Preventive Action - Daniel W. Christman and John G. Heimann, Co-Chairs Julia E. Sweig, Project Director

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Este link muestra la información para la región latinoamericana, ofrece cifras de desplazamiento en Colombia - Washington

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