PRESS RELEASE

Nº 11/06

RAPPORTEUR OF THE IACHR CULMINATES OBSERVATION VISIT TO THE

URABÁ REGION OF COLOMBIA

From April 24 to 27, 2006, a delegation headed up by the Rapporteur for Colombia of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Víctor Abramovich, visited the city of Apartadó in the Republic of Colombia.

This is the third visit in 2006 to monitor the process of demobilization of illegal armed groups in Colombia, in the context of the mandate entrusted to the IACHR by the member states of the OAS pursuant to resolution CP/RES. 859 1397/04 of the Permanent Council of the Organization, in light of Colombia’s international obligations in the area of human rights.

During its stay, the delegation of the IACHR visited the second phase of the demobilization of the Bloque Élmer Cárdenas, an illegal armed group that operates in the Urabá region.  The delegation met with authorities involved in identifying and distributing benefits to persons as they demobilize, and met with staff of the MAPP/OAS mission engaged in the verification process.  The delegation also had an opportunity to meet with residents of the area who have been affected by the armed conflict. The delegation also met with authorities from the Office of the Mayor of Apartadó.

This visit took place in the context of the preparation of the IACHR’s second report on the process of demobilization in Colombia.  The IACHR will complete its observation of the situation with another visit to Colombia in the near future.

Washington D.C., April 28, 2006