International community must stand up for human rights in Colombia
International community must stand up for human rights in Colombia
Legal News | 29 April 2015
human rights
'Colombian peace process cannot work unless founded on the rule of law,' say lawyers
Lawyers and judges from across the globe are to urge the international community to stand up for victims of human rights abuses in Colombia, including lawyers killed for carrying out their work.
The Colombia Caravana UK Lawyers Group has raised concerns over the use of Colombian military justice for crimes normally tried in civilian courts, and about how transitional justice can ensure truth, justice, and reparation for the victims of human rights violations.
During a week-long investigation, a delegation of some 70 lawyers from 121 countries visited seven regions of Colombia, taking first-hand testimonies from human rights lawyers, government officials, and victims of the country's civil war.
The group found that human rights defenders, including lawyers, continue to have their work hampered and suffer from threats, attacks, and in some cases suffer even worse.
Sue Willman, a partner at Deighton Pierce Glynn and Caravana director, said: 'Our delegation discovered that lawyers are still dying in Colombia simply for doing their job.'
More:
http://www.solicitorsjournal.com/news/legal-profession/courts/22610/international-community-must-stand-human-rights-colombia
