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Washington, D.C., January 14, 2007 — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expresses its satisfaction over the release, on January 10, of Clara Rojas and Consuelo González, who had been held as hostages of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The IACHR recognizes the efforts by the governments of Colombia and Venezuela that made this important development possible, as well as efforts by the International Red Cross and the countries that acted as guarantors in this process.
The Commission also reiterates that the taking of hostages and their subjection to inhumane conditions in captivity constitute grave crimes that are prohibited under the standards of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. In this regard, the IACHR strongly urges the armed groups that continue to illegally hold hostage numerous civilians in Colombia to respect their lives, their security and their health, and to proceed with their immediate and unconditional release.
The IACHR trusts that the release of Clara Rojas and Consuelo González could represent a first step on the road toward a humanitarian agreement that could help bring about the peace desired by all Colombians and the international community.
Useful Links IACHR Report on the Implementation of the Justice and Peace Law Human Rights in Colombia, Chapter IV of the 2006 Annual Report, March 2007 Human Rights in Colombia, Chapter IV of the 2005 Annual Report, March 2006 Report on the Demobilization Process in Colombia, December 2004 Third Report on the Human Rights Situation in Colombia, February 1999 Second Report on the Human Rights Situation in Colombia, October 1993
First Report on the Human Rights Situation in Colombia, June 1981
Tel. (202) 458-3867 Cell: (202) 215-4142 E-mail: cidh-prensa@oas.org |
