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<p>The British Government remains concerned about persistent levels of violence and
threats against human rights defenders in Colombia. UK ministers and senior officials
regularly raise human rights issues, as well as specific cases of concern, with the
Colombian Government and in multilateral fora. The former Minister for Europe and
the Americas spoke to Vice President Ramírez regarding the human rights situation
on a visit to Colombia from 22 to 24 November.</p><p>Colombia is a UK 'Human Rights
Priority Country,' and we also consistently raise our concerns regarding violence
against human rights defenders at the UN Security Council, as we did at meetings in
July, and on 14 October. We urge the Colombian Government to further integrate its
presence in conflict-affected areas, and strengthen the institutions that can investigate
and prosecute the criminal actors responsible. We have called on involved institutions
to heed the early warnings of the Ombudsman's Office to help prevent attacks from
happening and protect those at risk.</p><p>Through our Conflict, Stability, and Security
Fund (CSSF) programme, which has provided £68 million in support of peace agreement
implementation, security and stability in Colombia since 2015, we will continue to
prioritise funding interventions to protect human rights defenders, social leaders
and indigenous communities.</p>
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