| answer text |
<p><strong>Following the change to date for answer of this PQ, I submitted a response
by email on 26 March, with the following response. The Table Office have agreed this
approach.</strong></p><p>The UK shares the concerns of the Colombian Government regarding
ongoing violence in Colombia, including the killings of former FARC combatants. We
have been vocal in expressing our concern about the persistent high levels of violence
and threats towards former FARC combatants and others, as well as the impact this
has on the future of peace.</p><p>The United Kingdom welcomes the Colombian Government's
longstanding commitment to assisting former guerrilla fighters in transitioning to
civilian life following the peace agreement of 2016. We have committed almost £45
million over 5 years through the United Kingdom's Conflict, Stability and Security
Fund for Colombia to support development across conflict-affected regions. We have
done this through programmes designed to build state capacity to ensure the safety
of former fighters, and of other vulnerable individuals and groups, including outside
of official reincorporation zones.</p><p>We also raised our concern about this issue
at the United Nations Security Council session on Colombia on 13 January, where we
called on the Colombian government to accelerate its reintegration programmes for
former combatants. We will continue to work closely with the Colombian government
and civil society on the peace process and related matters.</p>
|
|
