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<p>The UK raised concerns about violence against human rights defenders (HRDs) during
the Universal Periodic Review of Colombia's human rights on 10 May in Geneva. During
the review, Colombia also accepted all UK recommendations including to improve protective
measures for HRDs.</p><p>I have also discussed the importance of tackling violence
against HRDs with visiting Colombian officials, most recently President Duque's adviser
for International Affairs and Human Rights during his visit to London on 17 October.
The British Ambassador in Bogota has also raised the issue of collective protection
mechanisms in a meeting with the Director of Colombia's National Protection Unit on
26 November. Through our Embassy-run human rights programme, the UK is working with
the Norwegian Refugee Council to implement a collective protection mechanism for 'at
risk' HRDs in rural communities.</p><p>I welcome the Colombian Government's decision
to host an official visit by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights
Defenders, Mr Michel Forst. The UK is ready to help the Colombian Government implement
the recommendations in Mr Forst's final report.</p>
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