Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights reviews the report of Colombia

(OHCHR) – The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights today concluded its consideration of the sixth periodic report of Colombia on its implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Presenting the report, Beatriz Londoño Soto, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Colombia was paving the road toward peace in a decisive way.  The signing in November 2016 of the Final Agreement for the building of a lasting peace with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia represented a definitive step forward in putting an end to 50 years of violence which had more than eight million victims and had claimed 220,000 lives.  The signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement with the National Liberation Army was key to closing this painful chapter and giving Colombia an opportunity to honour its commitments to economic, social, and cultural rights.  The peace agreement was not an end in itself, but rather marked the beginning of a long and challenging journey.  The reintegration of veterans into civilian life was one such challenge, while another was the need to reduce the gaps between rural and urban areas, particularly by ensuring access to land, developing infrastructure, and expanding health and education.  In the context of the limited resources and the growing needs, transparency was at the heart of public expenditure policy and the fight against corruption was a priority.  Colombia was committed to a respectful and transparent dialogue among all the stakeholders in the society and building a better country.

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